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THE 



FIRST CENTENARY 



NORTH CHURCH AND SOCIETY, 



SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Commemorated July 19, 1872, 



SALEM. 

pRINTED FOF\ THE jSoClETY. 



1873 



45574 

PRINTED AT 
E SALEM PRESS, 
F. W. PUTNAM & CO., 
Proprietors. 



TO 

THE MEMOriY 

OF 

HOMAS Barnard, D. 

HIS ASSOaiA-TES 
IN THE 

ORGANIZATION OE THIS CHURCH AND SOCIETY, 

THIS VOLUME 
IS REVERENTLY DEDICATED. 



(iii) 



CONTENTS. 



Introduction, 1 

Exercises at the Church, 5 

Memorial Sermon, 9 

Exercises at Normal Hall, 63 

Address from G. B. Loring, . . . . .... 66 

Khymed Eemiuisceuces, by C. T. Brooks, .... 69 

Address by Joseph Allen, of Northborough, . . . . 81 

Address by E. K. Hoar, of Concord, 83 

Address by W. G. Eliot, of St. Louis, Mo., .... 85 

Address by Thomas T. Stone, of Bolton, Mass., ... 87 

Address by C. H. Brigham, of Ann Arbor, Mich., ... 89 

Address by Wm. Monntford, of Boston, 91 

Address by John W. Chadwick, of Brooklyn, N. Y., . . 103 

Address by George L. Chaney, of Boston, .... 106 

Address by William 0. White, of Keene, N. H., . . . Ill 

Letter from Charles Lowe, 114 

Letter from Henry W. Eoote, 116 

Letter from James W . Thompson, 118 

Letter from Edwin M. Stone, 119 

Letter from S. E. Peabody, 121 

Address by R. M. Hodges, of Cambridge, .... 121 

Address by D. B. Hagar, 125 

Address by Caleb Eoote, . . . . . . .126 

Note from 0. B. Frothingham, 127 

Some Memoranda of the Choir, by Henry K. Oliver, . . 131 



(V) 



vi CONTENTS. 

The Church, 153 

Covenant, 155 

Early Members, . . 157 

Officers, . . . 163 

Minister's Library, 164 

The Sunday School, 165 

Extracts from the Records and Notes, 166 

Ministers, . .170 

Thomas Barnard, 171 

John Emery Abbot, 173 

John Brazer, 175 

Octavius Brooks Erothingham, 177 

Charles Lowe, .179 

Edmund Burke Willson, 181 

The First Meeting House, ........ 183 

The Second Meeting House, . . . - . . . . 190 

Proprietors and Occupants of Pews in the First House, 197 



ILLUSTRATIONS. 



Portrait of Rev. T. Barnard (Frontispiece). 

PiCKMAN House. 154 

Portrait of Rev. J. E. Abbot. ........ 173 

Portrait of Rev. J. Brazer. ......... 175 

Portrait of Rev. 0. B. Frothingham. . 177 

Portrait of Rev. C. Lowe. 179 

Portrait of Rev. E. B. Willson 181 

First Meeting House. . . . . .. ... . .183 

Second Meeting House. . , ^ ^ ^ . .. ^ .190 



(vii) 



INTRODUCTION. 



ARLY in the month of April, 1872, the Standing Committee 
of the Proprietors of the North Meeting-house voted that 
the one hundredth anniversary of the founding of the North 
Church and Society should be commemorated by appropriate public 
services, and called a general meeting of the worshippers, to be 
held on the 16th of that month, at the vestry, to take the matter 
into consideration. At that meeting the action of the Committee 
was unanimously ratified, and the necessary Committees were 
chosen to carry the proposed observance into effect. 

The first meeting of the Proprietors for organization had been 
held on the 3d of March, 1772. The first meeting of the mem- 
bers of the church, and their gathering into church order and 
fellowship, and the adoption of a covenant, had taken place on 
the 19th of July, 1772. It was voted that the latter should be 
the day commemorated. 

The writer of the historical discourse herein contained takes 
this opportunity to express his obligations and his thanks to those 
who have kindly aided him in his search for the materials em- 
bodied in it, especially to the President of the Essex Institute, 
Dr. Henry Wheatland, who opened to his use the valuable stores 
of the library of that institution, besides directing him to many 
important sources of information. 

He has not thought it necessary to cite often the authority on 
which his statements rest. In addition to the usual authorities for 
such facts, viz : — the records of the church, and of the proprietors 

(1) 



2 



INTRODUCTION. 



of the Nortb Meeting-house, funeral and other discourses, bio- 
graphical memoirs, published sermons of the clergymen of whom 
notices are given, newspapers of the period, the recollections of 
living witnesses, and current traditions, he has had access to 
a very helpful collection of miscellaneous papers, mostly in manu- 
script, containing lists of names, accounts, etc., left by Ichabod 
Tucker, Esq., nearly all of which are now in possession of the 
Essex Institute ; while he has often had recourse to Felt's Annals 
and Cur wen's Journal and Letters, with the biographical sketches 
appended by its editor, George A. Ward, Esq. 



Memorial Services. 



Exercises at the Church. 



I. 

VOLUNTARY (from the organ). 

II. 

SCRIPTURE SENTENCES. 

BY KEY. CHARLES T. BROOKS, OF NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND. 

One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh, 

Tiie fathers, where are they? and the prophets, do they live forever? 

We are strangers before thee, and sojourners, as were all our fathers ; 
our days on earth are as a shadow, and there is none abiding. 

Lord, Thou hast been our dwelling-place in all generations. 

One generation shall praise Thy works to another, and shall declare Thy 

mighty acts They shall abundantly utter the memory of Thy 

great goodness, and shall sing of Thy righteousness. 

Oh, that men would praise the Lord for His goodness, and for His won- 
derful works to the children of men ! 

I have considered the days of old, the years of ancient times I 

will remember the years of the right hand of the Most High I will 

remember the works of the Lord; surely I will remember Thy wonders 

of old which we have heard and known, and our fathers have 

told us That the generation to cqme might know them, even the 

children which should be born ; who should arise and declare them unto 
their children ; that they might set their hope in God and not forget the 
work of the Lord, but keep His commandment. 



6 



EXERCISES AT THE CHURCH. 



0 Lord God of our fathers, keep this forever in the imagination of the 
thoughts of the heart of Thy people, and prepare their heart to Thee ! 

In Judah is God known. ..... In Salem is His tabernacle. 

1 was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the 
Lord ! Our feet shall stand within Thy gates, O Jerusalem ! 

If I forget thee, O Jerusalem ! may my right hand forget her cunning ; 
yea, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth, if I prefer not Jeru- 
salem above my chief joy ! 

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! they shall prosper that love thee. 
Peace be within thy walls and prosperity within thy palaces. For my 
brethren and companions' sakes I will now say. Peace be within thee ! 



III. 



CENTENNIAL HYMN AND MUSIC. 



BY GEORGE PEABODY. 



Six verses and the Invocation sung. 



God, Almighty and Eternal, 

From Thy throne, in realms sublime, 
Hear our earnest supplications, 

Bless our offerings at this time. 

Gathered round our cherished altar, 
May we now renew the Flame 

Which our Fathers long since kindled 
To the glory of Thy name. 

Here they bowed in adoration; 

Here invoked, and not in vain, 
Blessings, which by Thy great mercy, 

With their children still remain. 

Countless blessings still descending 

Both on us and on our land, 
May we not forget the Giver, 

In the bounties of his hand. 

God, we thank Thee, that so many 
Of the wise and good have found 

Joy and comfort in Thy worship, 
On this consecrated ground. 



Man beheld in Thy Creation, 
Governed bj' unerring Laws, 

Proof that ofttimes gave assurance 
Of a self-existent cause. 

But the glorious Confirmation 
In Thy written word we find,— 

Book of books I — the guide, Instructor, 
Hope, and solace of mankind. 

There alone we read the record 
Of Thy blessed Son on earth. 

By whose Life and Kesurrection 
Man has gained a nobler birth. 

TJnrevealed are those deep mysteries 
That his cross and death attend. 

But his pure and holy precepts 
None can fail to comprehend. 

Naught by ancient sages spoken 
Can dispel our doubts and fears, 

Comfort bring to sin and suffering, 
Or restrain the mourner's tears. 



EXERCISES AT THE CHURCH. 



7 



May we, urged by their example, 
Follow in the path they trod, 

Keeping Christ's plain rule before us, 
Love to man and faith in God. 

Veiled art Thou, our Heavenly Father, 
And to mortal sight unknown, 

Yet in every age and nation 
Thy parental care is shown. 

In the days of heathen darkness. 
Ere Thy chosen Prophet came, 

Mid the thunders of Mount Sinai, 
Thy commandments to proclaim. 



In the brightness of Ms Being 
All Earth's shadows pass away. 

And the human heart rejoices 
In the light of endless day. 

May that Light spread through the nations 

Shine wherever man is found. 
And Thy Praise in songs of triumph 

Throughout Heaven and earth resound. 

IISrVOCATION. 

Gracious God! continue with us, 

Aid us to deserve Thy love. 
And through Christ at last admit us 

To his promised Kest above. 



IV. 

PRAYEK. 

BY REV. JOiSTATHAN COLE OF NEWBURYPOET. 



V. 



HYMN (for THE occasion) 



BY R"EV. CHARLES T, BROOKS. 



Sung by the Congregation to the Tune of Duke Street. 



O God! whose wisdom, power and love 
Xo age can waste, no shadow dim. 

To Thee, iu cloudless light above. 
We raise the grateful, reverent hymn. 

God of our Sires! to Thee, their Guide, 
Their Guard through life's uncertain way. 

To Thee lu wliora their souls abide, 
Unending thanks tlieir sons shall pay. 

Amid the war-cloud's gathering storm. 
Our fathers built their altar here; 

Tliey leaned on Thy almighty arm, 
Doheld Thy face and felt no fear. 



To-day in peace their children come 
To muse upon the years gone by; 

To sing their grateful harvest-home, 
And wave the votive sheaves on high. . 

The house our fathers built to Thee, 
'Mid human works no longer stands, 

Their nobler shrine by faith we see — 
That house in heaven not made with hands. 

Thanks for the memory of the Sires, 
Their lofty zeal, their strenuous life; — 

Our hearts with hope that memory flres. 
And nerves our souls for Christian strife. 



"While ages roll and worlds decay. 
Grant us, by faith and hope and love, 

Bright visions of unclumging day. 
Fair mansions in the realm above! 



8 



EXERCISES AT THE CHUECH. 



DISCOURSE. 

BY EEV. zmirVD E. ^LLSONT, ilESTSTIlS OF THE SOCIETY. 



vn. 

HYMN f ' E 0 R THE occasion). 

BY EZ\'. CHASLES I. BEOOSS. 
Sang by the Gongregafion to tlie Tune of TelemaBn's Chant. 



Thou whose word to bemg woke 
Earth and heaven, fiiis beanteons fi-ame. 

Father! we to-day invoke 
Blessings in Thy hallowed name ! 

On this aneient Chnrch of Thine, 
Thou who makest aU things new, 

O Eternal Beauty, sUne! 
Spirit, shed Tliy freshening dew! 

May the calm of reverend age 
Blending with the gjow of youth 

Mark her for Thy heritage, 
God of "Wfedom, Grace and Truth ! 



Tender memories o'er this hour 
"Mfngling lights and shadows cast; 

Songs of trust and words of power 
Cheer us fl-om the living past. 

Many a sweet and saintly name 
Breathes a fragrance on the air, 

Kindles here devotion's flame, 
Stirs tJie soul to praise and prayer. 

Perfect gi«s, O God, are Thine; 

May they lift oar souls above, 
FUl us wifli Thy life Divine, 

Endless life and boundless love I 



vnr. 

BEXEDICTIOX. 

BY PiV. .JA3IE5 T, HEWES. ^OlsTEB OE THE EES5T CHURCH. ES" SXLEM. 



MEMORIAL SERMON. 



Walk about Zion, and go round about her; tell the towers 
thereof ; mark ye well her bulwarks ; consider her palaces ; 
that ye may tell it to the generation following. for this god 
IS OUR God forever and ever; he will be our guide even unto 
DEATH. — Ps. xlviii: 12, 13, 14. 

We can understand to-day, in some degree, the emotions 
with which the psalmist wrote, as he looked npon the sacred 
places which war had spared, dear and still safe, beautiful 
as transfigured in the light of religious associations, wherein 
the altar of a past worship yet stood with its fire unquenched. 

Our altar still stands. Its fire is burning yet, after a 
hundred years. War has passed oyer its worshippers. Time 
has dismissed, one by one, its earlier congregations, and 
brought, one by one, new generations to stand in their 
places. We think of those who are to follow us, and hope 
that our children, and their children, may worship where we 
do now. 

There are times when, enamored witli the promises and 
expectations of the future, the past is not unlikely to seem 
all a dead p;ist, profitless, may be, even as a study for living 
men who hope to hold and fill the present lioiu- worthily. 

Believing progress, however, to be possible only by chMrt- 

(9) 



10 



MEMOEIAL SERMON. 



ing its way along by landmarks that are fixed, and voyaging 
always from certainties found, to other certainties sought, I 
am sure that the study of the past can be vindicated equally 
well, whether at the bar of utility or of ideality. If it were 
otherwise, there is a debt which the present — which is the 
future of the ]Dast — owes to that past, and which it will pay, 
if it is an honest present, to its successor. 

He, indeed, who turns his back on the past, on the plea 
that he must live in and work for the future, recognizes in 
his very aspiration the lineage between the foregoing and 
the aftergoing ; the continuity of flow that makes the past 
and future, morning and evening of the same day. There 
is no dead past, any more than there is lifelessness in those 
visions and imaginings, which are the ideals wherefrom we 
construct the future. All the dying we know in the uni- 
verse is a dying on — into life. 

But to-day I scarcely aspire even to make a study of the 
past. A simple recital of some of the leading events, and 
just an outlining touch here and there of some of the lead- 
ing characters belonging to the earliest periods of this 
church's history, seems to me the fittest, in truth the only 
possible, memorial that I can ofier to-day. To do this, 
and more, there is not time. To do other than this, and 
leave this unattempted, would be, I am persuaded, to mis- 
take the wishes and the just expectations of most of those 
who have assembled here. 

To name one hundred years of human history, especially 
the last one hundred years, is to start the recollective im- 
agination on an excursion from which, if let go unchecked, 
it would scarcely return in a summer's day. What history 



MEMORIAL SERMOX. 



11 



written and uiiwritteii have these years made ! Not to stray 
from om^ own shores, the longest day of summer would not 
suffice to tell how this America has enlarged and changed — 
from a dozen and one thinly peopled colonies, dependencies 
of a distant kingdom, lying along the borders of our Eastern 
Sea, with no apparent tendency to integration, come to be a 
powerful nation of thirty-seven states, of continental width, 
with population four times doubled, notwithstanding a war 
which has no parallel in modern times for its havoc of life, 
unless the late European war has matched its numbers. 
How should the hours be enough to relate the story of our 
two civil wars alone, one of which made of the scattered 
dozeii and one provinces a consolidated republic in the 
beginning of the century, and the other, at its end, removed 
by bloodiest surgery, but needful, that seed of death, of 
which the nation must rid itself or perish ! 

How should all the summer days be enough to show the 
steps of that vast unfolding civilization which has bridged 
the seas, calls pupils from Japan to American schools and 
colleges, gathers to a June festival singers and musicians by 
tens of thousands, speaking half a dozen languages, from 
the old world and the new, and brings the students of every 
science and art and philosophy, and form of knowledge, and 
type of religion, into one school of fellow-learners, where 
each fresh thought, and new discovery, and latest certified 
fact, becomes the immediate possession of all, giving earnest 
that the early christian vision may yet come true, and man- 
kind extend its broader title over all the narrower terms of 
race and place, making all the nations that dwell on all (he 
face of the earth, to l)e of one ))lood and of the lamily of 
the Everlasting Father ! 



12 MEMORIAL SERMOX. 

A history of a liundred years, tliougli it be but local 
history and deal with a communion of a few hundred souls 
only, has the same elements of interest that belong to the 
larger story of mankind. It touches human life at all 
points. 

With many, such an occasion as this speaks first to senti- 
ment and feeling. If I ask you to spend the hour with me 
among facts mostly, and to indulge me with a pretty liberal 
sprinkling of dates besides, it will not be because I despise 
sentiment ; but because first in order comes the gathering of 
the material for it, the narrative ; the reconstruction of this 
material into a pictured past, fresh with life, not to say the 
gathering of various wisdom from it, must be left very much 
to you. 

It is not because of the great age of this religious society 
that we keep this day of memorial. Ours is not an old 
church, as oldness is accounted in this community. The 
Mother church of us all, the First Church in Salem, had 
observed her own one hundredth anniversary more than 
forty years before this society was formed. We take rank 
as the fourth in the order of time, of the congregational 
churches within the present territorial limits of Salem ; the 
eighth, if all the churches formed from the First Church are 
taken into the account, disregarding territorial limits. This 
last number includes a church in what is now Beverly, early 
known as Bass Eiver ; one in Marblehead; one in Danvers, 
then known as Salem Village ; and one in Peal)ody, then 
the "Middle District" of Salem. 

Of the religious societies now existing in Salem, of all 
denominations, this is the sixth in age ; the First, formed in 
1629 ; the Friends' Meeting, in 1658 ; the East, or church 



MEMORIAL SERMON. 



13 



of the Eastern District, as it was then designated, in 1718 ; 
St. Peter's (Episcopal), in 1733 ; the Third Congregational 
in 1735 (which is either the Sonth or the Tabernacle Church, 
according as a question of identity in dispute between them 
is decided, a question on which this is not the occasion to 
pass judgment). 

The causes which led to the gathering of this church, and 
the circumstances attending it, were somew^hat peculiar. 

The First Church had for its minister, in the year 1770, 
Eev. Thomas Barnard, a man of about fifty-four years of 
age, an able preacher and a pastor much beloved by his 
people. In the spring of that year he was stricken by 
paralysis, and his work was to pass into other hands. He 
had a son, Thomas Barnard, junior, educated for his own 
profession, and who, though but twenty-two years old, had 
been four years out of college and had completed his pre- 
paratory professional studies. He was employed to supply 
his father's pulpit till the next annual meeting of the parish, 
a term of some five or six months. This he did so accept- 
ably to a considerable part of the people, that a strong 
desire was felt by them to make him a colleague pastor with 
his father. In this, however, there was not unanimity. So, 
when the question came up, as it did from time to time in 
church and parish, between the first of December, 1770, and 
the middle of the following summer, whether otlier candi- 
dates should be heard, or Mr. Barnard the younger should be 
settled, the vote was very evenly balanced on several occa- 
sions. Once, in the church, the vote was just equal ; at 
another time, for hearing others, nine ; for not h(\'n ing 
more, seven; and neuter, four (niah' menibei-s only voting). 
After a time the question took the form of a choice between 



14 



3IEMOEIAI. SEEMON. 



Mr. Barnard and Mr. Asa Dunbar, who, meantime, had 
become deservedly a favorite candidate in the church, and 
was afterwards settled. 

On the 10th of June, 1771, a vote was taken with the 
result : for Mr. Dunbar, thkteen; against, eleven. And yet 
there was delay. The parish was divided, like the chiu'ch, 
just about equally. A meeting of the society was held on 
the 26th of June, at which a ])roj^erty vote was taken, which 
gave a majority" for concurring in the choice of Mr. Dunbar, 
of "Vi" (fom- shillings and one penny) . 

A property vote is defined in the records as one in which 
the "votes were accounted according to the several interests 
of the voters in proportion to their several taxes pew, or 
church taxes it is presumed. By such a vote it was finally 
decided, Xov. 25, 1771 (£97-13-8J to £81-9-9J) that 
the proprietors would concur with the church in the choice 
of Mr. Dunbar.* 

Xo wonder that there should have been reluctance on the 
part of the majority to push matters to a decision, when 
decision threatened to be division. The minority was nearly 
half the people. It embraced many highly esteemed for their 
intelligence and moral worth ; one who had held the office of 
Ruling Elder in the church thirty-five ^^ears ; one of the 
deacons, nearly twenty years in office and much respected; 
three out of five of the Standing Committee of the Propri- 
etors for the year just preceding ; the gentlemen chosen 
Clerk and Treasurer this same year of 1771 ; and not a few 



*At one time a proposition was made and voted affinnatively. to lay aside both 
these candidates; and a later attempt to repeal this vote failed. But. of course, at 
this stage of the contest it made no difference. Each party clung to its favorite 
with greater determination. 



MEMORIAL SERMON. 



15 



lending the weight of social importance and large wealth to 
their opposition . * 

Meantime, also, a tender regard for the presumed prefer- 
ence of the sick elder pastor, however scrupulously he might 
refrain from giving it expression, had its influence, without 
doubt, to confirm the minority in their choice, and to induce 
hesitation in the majority. 

The controversy could have but one event. The delay 
wrought no change of purpose or feeling on either side, and 
when towards the end of the year it became apparent that 
neither could yield, propositions began to be made and con- 
sidered for a friendly separation, which was, soon and without 
serious difficulty, effected. Those who stood by the church, 
settling Mr. Dunbar, handsomely agreed to buy the pews of 
those who desired to leave, at such prices "as three or more 
indifferent men might value them at." And a like amicable 
arrangement was made with regard to the church property. 
The departing members asked, with a confiding assurance 
that their proposal would be met in a generous spirit, that 
they might be dismissed "with a just and equitable part of 
the temporalities" of the church. And their confidence was 
not misplaced. Five-twelfths of all that belonged wholly to 
the church was divided to them ; and they express no 
discontent with the apportionment. 

It is nothing iniusual for a church to owe its origin to a 
dissension among friends and members of the same church. 
I suppose this perhaps to be the rule, other causes the 
exceptions, in the history of church "origins." 

*I can count the names of nearly thirty pew holders of tlie First Church in 
1771, which appear in tlie lirst list of pew i)urchasers in the new North Cliurch ; whicli 
number I suppose, did not include the names of all the families wliich were occiipcaitx 
of pews, and which left the First Church to become worshii)per8 at the North. 



16 



MEMOEIAL SERMON. 



But in this case was no rancorous quarrel running into 
harsh aspersions, no charge of bad motive, no schismatic 
bitterness over nnstatable differences of doctrine. The 
genuine regrets of parting friends have left their frequent 
traces on the pages of the records we have searched. They 
will not suffer themselves to forget what is due to christian 
courtesy and an ancient and honorable fellowship. They 
do not indulge in those criminations, which many times 
make the church strife so much more reckless and disrepu- 
table than ordinary worldly contentions. 

There was soreness and lamentation ; if possibly a drop 
of anger on either side, at what was deemed an unyielding 
obstinacy on the other, it came to no angry utterance and 
its complaint sounded more like a sorrow. The brethren 
and sisters asking a dismission from the church, allude to 
the divisions which have arisen, say they have desired and 
sought to prevent a separation, "and that we might still con- 
tinue (as through the goodness of God for many years past 
we have done) in perfect peace and unity." But as "for 
diverse reasons we cannot consent to the calling and settling 
Mr. Dunbar . . . with so small a majority (if any) of 
the church," there seems "no way left for us but separation." 
They hope they may still have "occasional communion" with 
those they are leaving. "And now, brethren," they say, 
"not doubting of your complying with our reasonable desire, 
it shall not cease to be our ardent wish and prayer that we 
may so conduct our parting as shall cast no reflection on our 
holy religion or on ourselves ; and that, although we may 
hereafter worship in separate assemblies, our hearts may be 
united, and, by our christian deportment to each other, we 
may . . . meet in that blessed assembly whose peace. 



MEMORIAL SERMON. 



17 



unity and charity will never fail, and where discord will 
find no place." 

Every kind word was reciprocated by the church. Every 
reasonable expectation was met. True, the brethren of the 
church expressed almost pathetically their "great concern 
and uneasiness at so unhappy a breach and separation ;" 
declared that they had used their utmost endeavors to 
prevent it ; that they were sensible how much the interest of 
religion and peace and the tranquillity of the people depend 
on their being united. They "even now wish that those 
brethren would consider the matter and not urge a dismis- 
sion, as we [they] know of no just reasons why any should 
object to the choice of Mr. Dunbar," whom they consider 
"admirably qualified for a gospel preacher, and as we [they] 
think, full as likely to promote the true interest of religion 
as any other whatever." They conclude : "But if God in 
his holy providence has so ordered it as that this small 
church must be divided and split in pieces, and these 
brethren will separate from us, we herein join with them 
in the wish (as it shall be in our endeavor) that a spirit 
of love and Christian fellowship may continue between us 
notwithstanding our separation." 

I am impressed with the honor and fairness which charac- 
terized these proceedings. It is rarely that a church falling 
into division hopeless of cure, and coming to be cut in very 
halves, still bears itself with a patience and generosity such 
as were here exhibited ; or that a seceding body carries its 
difficult purpose through with so little record of passion and 
acrimony, so much of honorable feeling. 

This general maintenance of a spirit of good-will was no 
doubt aided much by the relationship existing bc^tAveen two 
of the three men a])ont whom these movements and interests 



18 



MEMORIAL SEEMO^^. 



principally centred : the crippled father, pastor of the First 
Church, fully possessing the love and respect of both sides, 
and his son, the warm-hearted young man, minister-elect 
of the church that was to be, who had so sfained the 
affection of those who adhered to him, that they were 
willino' to encounter the costs and risks of foundino^ a 
new church (and that, be it remembered, when the times 
were troubled and the future uncertain) as well as to take 
the pangs of breaking old bonds, numerous, close and 
sacred, rather than forego the ministrations of the man 
they had chosen. 

As a proof of the interest taken b}' the senior pastor of 
the First Church in the new enterprise that made his son the 
shepherd of half the flock he had himself lately tended, and 
as showing how the joint possession, as it were, of the father, 
b}" the two churches, and theu' common love and veneration 
for him, would tend to bridge the chasm natm-ally widening 
between them, it may be mentioned that Rev. Mr. Barnard, 
senior, invalid as he was, copied the entu'e body of the 
records of the First Church into the volume which was to 
contain the records of the Xorth Church ; so that we have 
the records of the First Church complete, as introductory to 
our own, wiitten out fairly and legibly by the elder Barnard's 
own hand, making one hundred and sixty-seven closely 
written foolscap pages. 

I shall find no better place than this, though a little in 
anticipation of the natural progress of my narrative, to tell 
how well justified was the judgment of either party in the 
matter at issue, and how fully the ancient communion was 
before long restored between them, and how faithfully it was 
maintained afterwards. 

Mr. Dunbar proved himself the well-furnished and com- 



MEMOEIAL SERMON. 



19 



petent minister that liis supporters took liim to be ; while 
the long and useful pastorate of Thomas Barnard, junior, in 
the North Church, showed that the devotion with which he 
had inspired his early friends was no ephemeral enthusiasm ; 
it became a steady and life-long esteem founded upon the 
substantial qualities of personal worth. 

When Mr. Barnard (of the North Church) gave the Hand 
of Fellowship to Mr. Dunbar's successor, Mr. John Prince, 
in 1779, the act was made more than usually graceful and 
cordial by his reference to the man who had been the pre- 
ferred and successful candidate for the place, which it had 
once been hoped that he might himself fill. He mentions 
him as the "pastor uncommonly dear" to his people, and 
adds : "I feel peculiarly happy this day, when I consider 
that this event unites our churches together, which were 
originally of the same body, in every christian office of love 
and friendship." And he went home to record upon the 
church book : "Every lover of peace rejoiced heartily on 
this occasion, for it settled a long difierence which had sub- 
sisted between them, and united them in the bonds of 
friendship." 

The ministers of these two churches, Thomas Barnard 
and John Prince, were from that day fast friends. Their 
friendship endured unbroken for a period of thirty-five 
years, till the minister of the First Church came to comfort 
the people of the North, suddenly l)ereaved, by death, of 
their beloved minister ; when he betrayed, in . word and 
manner, that his own sense of loss was scarcely less, if less, 
than that of the most attached ^parishioners of his friend. 
They two had been of one mind and one heart. P>()th lih(M-al, 
practical, valuing personal character and honest devotion to 



20 



IMEMOEIAL SERMON. 



truth above the formulated cloctrmes of church creeds, they 
had been sincere fellow-laborers m the christian church, 
giving and receiving s^Tiipathy in severe personal trials, 
which had come to each in turn. The friendship which 
found expression in the sermon preached by Dr. Prince, 
after the death of Dr. Barnard, tender in feeling, and warm 
with discriminating praise, was a fit and beautiful ripening 
into expression of that fraternal spirit which had at no time 
been fatally ruptured between the First and North Churches, 
and was now cemented more closely than ever.* 

On the 14th of February, 1772, a piece of land on the 
corner of North and Lynde streets, where the dwelling 
house of the Hon. Otis P. Lord now stands, was bought 
for a meeting house lot, in anticipation of the wants of the 
future society. I There were forty-two associates in the pur- 
chase, and John Nutting, who sold the land, made the 
forty-third proprietor. On the 3d of March following, 
the proprietors of this land met at the Town Hall, in obe- 
dience to a warrant issued by Peter Frye, Esq., a Justice 
of the Peace, and served b}^ Clark Gajiion Pickman, one of 
the proprietors, and proceeded to an organization. .This 
was, in fact, the legal institution of the society known as 
The Proprietors of the J^orth Meeting House, by popular 
designation "the North Society," although the major part 

*Iii a note. Dr. Prince records the following interesting particulars : — It is a 
singular concurrence in our walks of life, and one that has some effect upon the social 
feelings, that we were educated at the same university, and after we graduated kept 
the same schools in the same town; studied divinity with the same clergyman; settled 
in the ministry in the same town; the same person preached our ordination sermons; 
and we received honorary degrees from the same university." 

tOn the western line. I am told by one of our most indefatigable and ti'ustworthy 
antiquarians, Wm. P. Upham. Esq., of what was early knoMTi as Sharpe's Training 
Field. 



MEMORIAL SERMON. 



21 



of those who constituted its membership were still mem- 
bers of the First Church or Parish. 

The first vote after organization was "that the land 
aforesaid be improved by erecting thereon a meeting house 
for the public worshipping of God, for the use of the pro- 
prietors." The second : "That William Browne, Edward 
Augustus Holyoke, Joseph Blaney and Samuel Curwen, 
Esqs., and Messrs. John Felt, and Richard Ward, and Clark 
Gayton Pickman, be a committee for the building of said 
meeting house," and "the question being put whether the 
proprietors would give any particular directions to the com- 
mittee about the building said house — it passed in the 
negative :" an instance of rare and commendable absti- 
nence from the exercise of that careful scrutiny so natural 
to the 'New England mind, which trusts nothing to official 
agents, loves to see to everything for itself, not neglecting 
to inspect, supervise and advise concerning every minute 
detail, however unfamiliar, of which the pages of early 
records, both ecclesiastical and municipal, bear such ample 
testimony. 

On the 11th of May the laying of the foundation for 
the new meeting house was begun. It was first opened 
for public worship on Sunday, Aug. 23, 1772, though not 
yet nearly completed. After occupying it three Sundays the 
proprietors determined to add side-galleries, Avhicli had not 
been originally contemplated in the plan of the building 
committee, and which added thii-ty-eight pews to the one 
hundred and one which took up the space upon the lower 
floor. 

Early in October, the bell, which lind been ordenMl from 
London, arrived. On the IDth of Octol)er the spire was 



22 



MEMOEIAL SEEMOX. 



raised. It was not till the early part of the following year, 
however, that the house was considered finished, and that 
the pews were sold ; nearly five months after the society 
began to meet in it. 

This was called "the large new meeting house" in the 
papers of that time. From the frequency with which it was 
asked for for civic celebrations on the 4th of July, and for 
other public days, it is inferred that it must have been — and 
indeed it is well remembered by m^^ny of you to have been — 
one of the most spacious and commodious churches of the 
town. Its precise dimensions we do not find : we should 
probably have had them among the records, to the size of 
every joist, if the proprietors had not given everything in 
such a trustino' manner to that Buildino: Committee. Its 
one hundred and one pews on the lower floor were square 
and roomy, and four broad aisles ran lengthwise, north and 
south, giving eight tiers of pews in width. Its tower end, 
the front, was upon Lynde street, the tower itself rising 
from the ground, and containing the vestibule to the church 
on the first floor, and the entrance to the organ and singing 
gallery on the second floor. Originally, it was surmounted 
by a spire ; but this being regarded as insecure some twenty 
years after, and requiring frequent and costly repairs, it was 
taken down in 1796, and replaced by a simple cupola, or 
dome, covering the belfry, the form in which it is remembered 
by those who look back thu'ty-eight years. The outside 
entrances were five ; three into the tower on its north, east 
and west sides, and two on the southern end of the main 
building, near the corners. One broad entrance led from the 
porch in the tower to the interior of the house. There was 
no side entrance to the body of the building. The palpit 



MEMOEIAL SEEMOX. 



23 



was on the soutliern end. A carriage-way passed around on 
the eastern and southern sides, the sides not lying on the 
broader streets. That first meeting house continued to be 
used as a house of worship till this house was built, in 
1836. It was afterwards appropriated to manufacturing and 
other purposes for a while, and after some years was taken 
down.* 

The corner-stone of this church building was laid May 
16, 1835 (sixty-three years, almost to a day, from the 
laying of the foundation of the first building) . It was dedi- 
cated June 22, 1836. Its interior, at first finished very 
plain and without ornament, was renewed and brought into 
its present tasteful foiTQ, under the cultivated eye and expe- 
rienced direction of that lover of the beautiful, the late 
Francis Peabody, Esq., in 1847. The plat of ground on 
which it stands is bounded on its eastern side by land which 
was once in possession of Roger Williams : his homestead. 

In the earlier periods of New England Congregationalism, 
the church as distinct from the assembly of worshippers — or 
the parish, or town, as the case might be — took the lead in 
all matters pertaining to public worship, the call and settle- 
ment of pastors, the determination of the conditions of 
communion, the use of ordinances, and, indeed, pretty much 
everything but the raising and appropriation of money. 

The parish, for the most part, limited itself in quiet times 
to concurrence in the doings of the church, in all matters in 
which they had a common interest ; though the concurrence 



*No picture of it has been preserved; but a recent attempt to i)re.sent a view of its 
front has been made, and is generally regarded by those who remember its appearance, 
as a faithful likeness. The drawing of which the cut in the ai)pendix is a copy, 
now in possession of the f]ssex Institute, was executed by Dr. Cieorge A. Terkins, 
partly from memory and partly from a sketch made when the church was standing. 



24 



MEMOEIAL SERMOX. 



was no mere form, as repeated instances of refusal to concur 
in churcli action on the part of parishes sufficiently attest. 
It was a voluntary thing : this surrender of precedence. 
Usage alone gave it authority. Moreover, the congregation 
easily made its wishes known through those who were 
members of both bodies, and often took the initiative in 
accomplishing its objects by prompting the church to act, 
rather than by asserting absolutely its own coequal power, 
or even the power of veto. The perfect independency of 
each congregation in determining its own internal order, and 
managing its own alfairs, was the cardinal and distinctive 
jprinci/ple of Congregationalism. 

This principle, as such, knows nothing of that division, or 
distinction, which has usuallj^ existed within the congregation, 
into two bodies : of church and society. ISTor, where such 
two bodies exist, does it settle theu^ relations to each other. 
But the usage has been, and more especially in former times, 
as I said, to allow the church not only to organize itself, and 
conduct its alfairs in its own way, but to have habitual prece- 
dence, where the two had a joint interest or joint obligations. 
The liability of jar or opposition between them was reduced 
to a remote probability, by the fact that the leaders in both 
society and church were for the most part the same persons. 
The church, it will be seen, was an institution relatively of 
much more power and importance a hundred years ago than 
now. It was recognized as the heart of the religious 
organism, and the seat of its life. 

I^ot mmaturally, therefore, the organization of the ^^orth 
Church occupies a more prominent place, and its doings 
are more minutely detailed upon the records of our early 
history, than the organization and proceedings of the 
society itself. 



MEMOKIAL SEEMOX. 



25 



On the 16th of May, 1772, the First Church voted to 
grant the request of the fifty-two brethren and sisters, who 
asked a dismission that they might become a church con- 
nected with this society. 

On the 19th of July, the day we commemorate, these 
fifty-two met at the house of the yenerable Col. Benjamin 
Pickman, senior, for organization. Col. Pickman lived in 
the house now standing on Essex street, opposite to St. 
Peter street, built by himself, and at the present time 
owned by Mrs. Le Masters ; its upper windows may still 
be seen rising above the row of one-story shops extending 
along its front ; it was one of the most elegant houses of 
the town. 

The Rev. Dr.Whittaker of the Third Church — afterwards 
"the Tabernacle" — a noted preacher, then at the zenith of a 
not long enduring popularity, attended and ofiered prayer. 
The church adopted the covenant of the First Church : the 
same to which, as members of the First Church, they had 
before subscribed ; "hereby," they say, "recognizing and 
renewing the substance of the First Covenant entered into 
by our pious ancestors at their first founding a church 
in New England in this town, Aug. 6, 1629, professing 
ourselves, nevertheless, to be in charity with all men who 
love the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity and truth." This 
covenant was a covenant^ not a creed, nor containing a 
creed. It simply bound them to walk together in all the 
ways of God, "as he is pleased to reveal himself unto us 
in his Blessed Word of truth." 

I do not stop to inquire whether they could be sure that 
they had the very covenant of Aug. 6, 1629, letter for 
letter. They believed they had the same, as, no doubt, 
2 



26 



MEMOKIAL SEEMON. 



they had substantially ; as such they revered and retained 
it, adding only their broad profession of charity with all 
lovers of the Lord Jesus Christ. 

To their acceptance of this elder covenant they add 
somewhat, to be sure, but rather in the nature of reiteration 
of a few of its obligations, than as adding new ones. While 
it is true, at the same time, that, incidentally, they show 
that they believed in God, as "Father, Son, and Holy 
Ghost ;" in "the Holy Scriptures contained in the old and 
new testaments," "taking them for our [their] sole and suffi- 
cient rule of faith and practice ;" and that they relied "upon 
the atonement purchased by the blood of the great Mediator 
for the pardon of our [their] manifold sins." Theirs was 
the faith of their time. 

Within the next few months, and before the ordination of 
the minister, from twenty to thirty more members had 
been admitted to the church, making a membership of 
seventy-five to eighty persons. 

At a meeting held on the 20th of August (1772), they 
voted that this should be called the North Church. The 
same day Thomas Barnard, junior, was formally chosen its 
pastor. John Nutting, who had held the same office for 
thirty-five years in the First Church, and Joshua Ward, who 
for nearly twenty years had been a deacon of that church, 
were chosen ruling elders, and Samuel Holman and 
James Gould, deacons. It was voted that the Lord's 
Supper should be administered on the last Sunday of 
every month. 

The church and society were now fully organized. The 
meeting house was so far advanced that it was to be used 
for public worship on the next Sunday, though it required 



I 



MEMORIAL SERMON. 27 

extemporized seats and other conveniences for the present. 
The minister had been unanimously chosen, and was their 
preacher already, though not to be ordained till the house 
should be finished. From August to the next January, the 
time of his ordination, Mr. Barnard preached regularly, and 
all the usual church rites were duly observed.* 

The ordination of Mr. Barnard, which took place on the 
13th of January, 1773, crowned with fruition the hopes of 
those who for two and a half years had been so steadily 
seeking his settlement as their minister ; first, if it were 
possible, in the old church of their fathers ; if not possible 
there, in a new one. 

A little scene which occurred at the ordination must have 
touched all hearts. 

Mr. Barnard's paralytic father, the senior pastor of the 
First Church, was present and when Rev. Mr. Diman of 
the East Church, who gave the Hand of Fellowship, had 
first welcomed the newly gathered church, and then its 
young pastor, to the communion of the neighboring churches, 
he turned to the elder Barnard, saying : "Reverend sir, we 
heartily congratulate you on the happy settlement of your 
son. How great is God's goodness ! How doth he bring 
good out of evil, and turn afilictions into blessings ! The 
uncommon disorder with which you have been visited and » 

*The first child of whose baptism in the North Church a, record is found was 
Abigail, daughter of John Holman, presented August 30, 1772, the second Sunday 
on which the cliurch was occupied. A month later, September 27th, there was 
a baptism of ten children, nine girls and one boy, which was probably the origin of the 
statement found in the Salem Gazette of October 27, 1772, that " Last Sunday (i. e. 
Oct. 25tli), were baptized in the new Congregational Church in this town, ten infants, 
all females." Mr. William Gavet, for many years sexton of the church, whose death 
took place in January, 1856, at the age of 89, supposed himself to have been tlie first 
child baptized in tiie North Society ; but in this, as we have seen, he was mistaken. lie, 
together with other children of his father, Jonathan Gavet, was baptized in January, 
1773. 



28 



IVIEMORIAL SERMON. 



taken off from your public labors was very grievous ; but 
it has made way for the settlement of your son, thus near 
you, to comfort and cherish you in your declining age, and 
under your many infirmities ; which is a very great favor 
of Providence to you. . . . And then there is this 
happy circumstance attending your son's settlement, that all 
his hearers are his friends who hear him with pleasure, and 
therefore with candor; which must also give him pleasm^e 
and likewise freedom in speaking, which is a favor that but 
few enjoy. And they are not only his friends but yom'S. 
They highly esteem you in love, as well as him, for your 
work's sake. And they have submitted to many difficulties 
and been at great expense to bring about this settlement. 
The Lord bless them and abundantly reward them for their 
kindness to him and to you. . . . We bless God, dear 
sir, . . . that you have the great comfort and satisfaction 
of seeing the public ministry, which you quitted with so 
much reluctance, carried on by your son, to the good accept- 
ance and, we think, to the spiritual mstruction and edifica- 
tion, of so many of your former hearers. As we condoled 
with you in your trouble, so we now heartily rejoice with 
you in this goodness of God to you." 

A notice of the ordination, in the "Salem Gazette" of the 

# week following, ends with the comprehensive remark that 
"The whole was carried on with propriety, elegance and 
solemnity. Genteel entertainments were provided in vari- 

, ous parts of the town for the council, ministers, governors 
and students of Harvard College and all the company that 
were present at the ordination."* 



* The sermon was preached by Rev. Mr. Williams of Bradford, afterwards Pro 
fessor of Mathematics and Natural Pliilosophy in Harvard College, with whom Mr. 



MEMOEIAL SERMON. 



29 



Mr. Barnard was to receive a settlement of sixty-six 
pounds, thirteen shillings and four pence ; thirty pounds a 
year were to be paid to him besides, unless the proprietors 
should furnish him with a suitable house, in which case the 
payment of this sum should cease ; and his "stated salary" 
was to be one hundred and thirty-three pounds, six shillings 
and eight pence ; "but in case he be taken off his labor, and 
the propriety be obliged to supply the pulpit, then the 
salary" was to be "reduced to one hundred and six pounds, 
thirteen shillings and four pence." And further he was 
to receive "all the money that is contributed unmarked." 

This unmarked money, of which frequent mention is 
found in the records, is explained by the custom which 
prevailed for many years of collecting the taxes for pews 
in the form, first of a weekly, then of a monthly and 
finally a quarterly collection taken in church, the sum being 
wrapped in paper and marhed with the number of the pew, or 
the name of the occupant, or both ; a regular account being 
kept with each tax-payer and pew, and the account adjusted 
at the end of the year. If it fell short, the deficiency was 
to be made up. If a surplus had been contributed, which 
was not at all unusual, it was credited on the next year's 
account. And as sometimes a stranger, or an occupant of a 
pew who was not a tax-payer, desired to contribute some- 
thing, such sums were put in with no name or mark upon 
them. They were "the unmarked money," and were the 
minister's perquisite. Usually they amounted to very little ; 



Barnard had pursued his professional studies. The praj'cr of ordination and charge 
were by Rev. Edward Barnard of Haverhill, an uncle of tlie minister elect and 
brotiier of the senior pastor of the First Church. Tiie first prayer was offered by Hev. 
Mr. Tucker of Newbury, who had succeeded Rev. Tlionias Barnard, senior, in the 
ministry at Newbury; the other prayer by Rev. Mr. Swain of Wenham. 



30 



INIEMOKIAL SEEMON. 



sometimes a few cents ; sometimes a dollar or more ; not 
unfrequently nothing. The amount for one whole year 
(1801) was $2.24 ; another year (1802), $3.47. 

This society appears to have had no period of weak 
infancy. It was strong, confident and assured of its sta- 
bility from the beginning. It boldly built a large meeting 
house, and sold nearly three-fourths of its one hundred and 
forty pews without difficulty and at once. Men of wealth 
sustained it with determination, and it had such credit from 
the start as to draw the doubtino^ and hesitatino^ to its 
support. 

It had better than financial strength. It was instituted 
under the lead of sagacious and earnest men, who had had 
their character and capacity well tried in other positions of 
trust and honor. There were good men and women of 
their number, held in esteem alike for their probity and their 
charity. Among these names are many identified with the 
most honorable history of the town for the period ; some of 
them known far beyond the limits of the town. The vener- 
able Col. Benjamin Pickman, the first of four in lineal order 
who bore the same name and title, reputed to be, with a 
single exception, more extensively engaged in commerce 
than any other man in the province; a Judge of the Com- 
mon Pleas ; member of the Provincial Council ; eminent for 
patriotic services and public spirit, such as to obtain public 
recognition and a handsome and valuable testimonial from 
the legislative assembly, while he was no less beloved for 
his private virtues ; now drawing towards the close of a 
long, useful and generous life; — his sons. Col. Benjamin 
Pickman, junior, William Pickman and Clark Gayton Pick- 
man, all successful merchants and much respected citizens. 



MEMOEIAL SERMON. 



31 



whose names were familiar to an earlier generation, and are 
not yet forgotten in this commmiity ; — Col. William Browne, 
descended from a distinguished ancestry, well-educated, 
wealthy, benevolent and at the time a great favorite Avith 
the people ; a little later a Judge of the Superior Coui-t, and 
for a short time of the Supreme Bench, by executive 
appointment, though later still a loyalist and refugee ;* 
— Dr. Edward A. Holyoke, the widely-known and skilful 



*. Judge Browne was a descendant in direct line from tlie Samnel and the two Wil- 
liam Brownes, who, with Benjamin, brother of the second William, were benefactors of 
Harvard College, and founders of the Browne scholarship in that institution. The 
Brownes were liberal patrons of good learning in the schools of Salem, as well as in 
the college at Cambridge. 

This was not the onlj' William Browne who was somewhat widely known. He had 
a cousin, William Burnet Browne, for whom he seems to have been mistaken by Mr. 
Ward, the editor of "Curwen-s Journal and Letters." and by Mr. Sabine (who perhaps 
followed Ward) in his '"American Loyalists." Ward, in his biographical notice of our 
Colonel William Browne (p. .W, 4th ed., 1834), rightly says that he was a son of Samuel 
Browne, but incorrectly adds, " and a grandson of Gov. Burnet." Colonel William 
Browne had an uncle, William Browne, the proprietor of "Ryal Side," who married a 
daughter of Gov. Burnet, and had a son, William [Burnet] Browne. This William 
Burnet Browne was a cousin, therefore, of Samuel's son, William. Mr. Sabine seems 
to have fallen into the same mistake (p. 180, of edition published in 1847). 

In the commonness of the name a doubt was suggested to the Avriter, at one time, 
whether the William Browne who was one of the original members of the North 
Church, and Colonel William Browne, the loyalist refugee, and afterwards Governor 
of Bermuda, Avere the same person. Subsequent investigation left no room for reason- 
able doubt. Not only is he designated as "Colonel" William Browne upon the 
records, but his name Avhich Avas prominent among the officers of the First Church 
before 1772, and among those of the North Church after tliat date, suddenly di>api)ears 
entirely from the records at just the time Avhen Colonel Browne left the country. More- 
over, at the annual meetmg of the proprietors, on Jan. 12, 1778, the collectors Avere di- 
rected " to api)ly to the Committee of Safety of this town, for all taxes uoav due on the 
I>ews belonging to William BroAvne, Esq." Colonel Browne's ijropevty Avas conliscatod 
on account of his adherence to the royal cause; and under the circumstances an api)lica- 
tion to the Committee of Safety for the unpaid pew taxes, sIioavs the political status of 
the pew-holder to be just that Avhich Colonel William Browne held at the time. Add. 
that Colonel BroAvne had pews l)oth in the First and North Cliurclies, Avhich were 
oflered for sale after his departure, and Ave are justilie<l in .~aying tiiat there can be no 
question that Colonel William lirowne, afterAvards Judge, tlien refugee, and later still 
appointed Governor of Bermuda b}' the Fnglisli Mini-try, Avas the same Avho Avas 
among the original fifty-two i)ersons dismissed from the First Church to form the North 
Church. His mother, Katharine Sargent, Avas also one of the original members of this 
church. She Avas a daughter of John and Ann Winthrop, and married after the death 
of her first husband, Samuel Browne, Colonel Epes Sargent of Gloucester, w ho re- 
moved to Salem not long after their marriage. Colonel Sargent died in 17(52, and his 
widow continuerl to live near her son, Colonel William BroAvnc, on Essex street, in a 
house Avhich he built for her, next his own, in 17G3. 



32 



MEMORIAI. SERMON. 



physician, the courteous gentleman, the modest and ex- 
emplary Christian; — Samuel Curwen, the son of a beloved 
minister of the First Church, himself educated for the min- 
istry, but diverted by ill-health to commercial pursuits ; a 
captain under General Pepperell at Louisburg ; a Judge of 
admiralty at the opening of the Ke volution ; a gentleman 
cultivated by letters and travel ; — Francis Cabot, a merchant 
of reputation and a gentleman of large wealth and influ- 
ence ; — John Nutting, educated at Cambridge, sometime a 
teacher, who had been thirty-six years a ruling elder in the 
First Church, and lived to fill the same office for eighteen 
years afterwards in the North Church ; for many years hold- 
ing various and important offices under the Government ; — 
Joshua Ward, the ardent patriot, long an officer in the First 
Church and in the North; — his son, Richard, active and 
prominent both in military and civil afiairs ; — Nathan 
Goodale, teacher and merchant ; — the worthy Deacon 
Samuel Holman, who for forty years was one of the 
Standing Committee of the Proprietors and an officer of 
the church, deacon and ruling elder until his death, a period 
of fifty-three years ; — Col. David Mason and Capt. John 
Felt, those sturdy patriots whose names soon after became 
connected with the cause of popular liberty from their part 
in the afiair with the British Col. Leslie at North Bridge, in 
February, 1775 ; — and of younger men, Benjamin Goodhue, 
afterwards senator, and Dr. William Paine, Jacob Ashton, 
William Yans — these are some of the names that stand 
among the founders of the North Church and society. 

The only time when, perhaps, the society may have felt 
that a serious breach had been made into its security and 
strenfjth was at the breakino: out of the Revolution. 



MEMORIAL SERMON. 



33 



At the first of it the leading men of the society were on 
the side of the Government. The minister inclined that 
way in the beginning, though not long. Col. William 
Browne, Joseph Blaney, Francis Cabot, Samuel Curwen, 
Benjamin Pickman (he who was Benjamin Pickman, the 
junior, at the formation of the church ; his father had died in 
1773), his brothers, William and Clark Gayton Pickman, 
Dr. Holyoke, John Nutting, Jacob Ashton, Weld Gardner, 
Jonathan Goodhue, William Vans, Andrew Dalglish, Henry 
Gardner, Nathan Goodale and James Hastie, — these were 
all disposed to support the Government ; certainly not all, 
perhaps not any, with entire approval of the measures 
adopted by the Government, but from a conviction, shared 
largely by thoughtful men throughout all the provinces, that 
successful resistance would be impossible, and that the 
difficulties between the Mother Country and the Colonies 
might be composed by moderate and conciliatory counsels. 
The greater number of these loyalists finally fell more into 
sympathy with the tone of feeling around them, and in the 
end adhered to the American cause. A few, however, 
resolutely chose the other course and joined the royal 
standard and, when the storm burst, withdrew from the 
country, generally retiring either to the eastern provinces 
or to England. Samuel Curwen, William Browne and Ben- 
jamin Pickman were among the latter ; and in the very 
interesting letters and journal of Mr. Curwen, written during 
the period of his expatriation, we have a vivid picture, if 
sometimes a sad one, of the struggles and heart-sicknesses 
which these exiles endured. Their hearts after all yearned 
for their early homes, and the homes of tlicir people. In 
many cases impoverished, dependent, tossed between re- 



34 



MEMORIAL SERMOX. 



viving hopes and new disappointments, as the fortunes of 
the conflict wavered, not altogether trusted by the Govern- 
ment whose pensioners they were, they wore away wearily 
the slow years of the war.* 

Two or three votes found among the records of the pro- 
prietors seem to show that the resources of the society were 
much afiected by the war. 

At the annual meeting in 1776, a vote was passed to the 
following purport : — "Whereas, the difficulty of the times 
is such that, if a tax for the Rev. Mr. Barnard's salary was 
laid as usual, there is great probability that it cannot be 
collected ; therefore voted that a committee [of gentlemen 
named] be desired to wait upon the Rev. Mr. Barnard, to 
know if he will accept, for the present, of a free contribution 
for his support in lieu of his salary." Mr. Barnard accepted 
this proposal upon condition that it should work no inva- 
lidity in the original contract at his settlement. And 
though there is evidence that he did not for a time receive 
the full amount of his salary under this arrangement, it 
was remembered afterwards, and partial or full restitution 
was made of the sum deficient; and from about 1795 a 



*The journal of Judge Curwen gives us also a pleasant glimpse of a fragmentarj- 
continuance of the fellowship of the North Church, in the years of their London exile. 
He makes frequent mention of social meetings with his old Salem friends; and often 
alludes to his Sundays, and his manner of spending the day. He became a regular 
attendant at the chapel of Theophilus Lindsay, the early and distinguished English 
Unitarian clergyman, who left a good living in Yorkshire from conscientious objections 
to some parts of the liturgy of the Established Church, Avhich he afterwards altered for 
use in his London chapel. Mr. Curwen gives interesting notices of Priestley and Price, 
and other ministers of less note, whom he heard in London during his residence there. 
For Mr. Lindsay he came to entertain a very high regard, based upon his thoughtful 
discourses, and his beautiful christian life and character. He sometimes took with him, 
to his Sunday worship, his old friends and fellow-communicants of the North Church, 
Benjamin Pickman and William Browne; so, two or three, at least, of the brethren of 
the North Church met by the river of Babj'lon; and who shall doubt that there they 
sometimes wept (in secret) as they remembered the New England Zion, and the dear 
Salem of the West, and that they found it hard to sing her songs in a strange land ? 



MEMORIAL SERMON. 



35 



regular annual addition of one hundred to three hundred 
and fifty dollars was made to his salary, and was continued 
to the end of his life ; thus making his salary at the highest, 
however, but about nine hundred dollars. 

Dr. Barnard's ministry continued from Jan. 13, 1773 to 
Oct. 1, 1814, the time of his death, nearly forty-two years ; 
more than two-fifths of the century. He had had no assist- 
ant, though nearing the end of his sixty-seventh year, and 
left a fresh sermon partly written upon his table when he 
died. 

If asked, for what ideas or what type of influence this 
church stood, during these earliest forty-two years, I should 
say, taking its pastor as its representative : first, it stood for 
the religion of a true humanity ; a religion which made love 
to man the best expression of love to God ; for that inter- 
pretation of Christianity which makes prominent its humane 
spirit. Dr. Barnard was a whole-hearted man. He loved 
his kind. He loved little children. Men of diverse tastes 
and various culture found themselves drawn to him. He 
won by his own genial, sympathetic and comprehensive man- 
liness. You saw how friends gathered around him in the 
first instance in the First Church. They stood by him at 
the sacrifice of life-long associations and deepest rooted 
affections. The spirit that animated himself he evoked in 
others. He was a reconciler ; not by studied compromises, 
but by native courtesy and magnanimity. His generosity 
of mind put generous construction upon other men's mo- 
tives, and by the inbred honor of his character he held the 
confidence he gained. He proved that he had courage 
and sincerity, or he might have been cast aside as a 
time-server. He was a young man of twenty-seven only, 



36 



MEMOEIAL SEEMON. 



when the Revolutionary War broke out. With such men 
in his society as Judge William Browne, Col. Benjamin 
Pickman, Francis Cabot, Judge Samuel Curwen, Dr. 
Holyoke and others, on the one side, and the Wards, 
Col. Mason and Capt. John Felt on the other; himself 
first leaning to the side of politic concession, even signing 
the complimentary address to Gov. Hutchinson, but after- 
wards joining the party of resistance with no equivocal or 
doubtful devotion, and publicly recalling some of the ex- 
pressions to which he had previously subscribed, he seems, 
nevertheless, to have done all with such a frankness, consci- 
entiousness and fearlessness, as to put his honesty and 
patriotism beyond question, so that he retained the friend- 
ship of those who became divided from each other. 

In the afiair of Col. Leslie at the North Bridge, he was 
conspicuous and characteristically the minister of peace. 
Amono: the various and sometimes conflictino^ accounts of 
the prominent actors and scenes of that day, there is a sub- 
stantial agreement in mentioning Mr. Barnard's presence 
and active and successful efibrts to prevent bloodshed. 
Leslie's force, three or four hundred strong, passed by his 
meeting house on their march through Lynde and North 
streets, to the North Bridge. The afternoon congregation 
had already been dismissed at the alarm that such troops 
were approaching, and Mr. Barnard lost no time in pre- 
senting himself to the British officer, who stood baffled and 
exasperated before the raised draw at the North Eiver, and 
remonstrating against his threat to fire on the people. 
Young as he was, he bore the difficult part of pacificator 
among these angry, heated and hostile men, who, on either 
side defiantly declared their intention to yield nothing, with 



MEMOEIAL SERMON. 



37 



a self-possession and a persuasiveness in remonstrance, 
which finally succeeded. Col. Leslie gave his word of 
honor, at length, that if permitted to pass his men over the 
bridge, he would not go beyond a certain number of rods. 
The bridge was lowered and he kept his word. The mood 
of mind in which so many of the inhabitants had hurriedly 
and excitedly assembled leaves no room for doubt that there 
would have been serious collision and probably loss of life, 
if the counsels of forbearance had not prevailed. 

I called a few weeks since upon the late Kev. Charles 
Cleaveland of Boston, who died at the age of one hundred 
years, wanting a few days. He joined this church in 1791, 
and from December, 1804, to December, 1806, was the clerk 
of the society. On my introduction to him as the minister 
of this church, he exclaimed : "O ! I love the North Church ! 
Good Dr. Barnard ! Good Dr. Barnard !" and proceeded to 
express with enthusiasm his affection and reverence for that 
excellent man. 

But Dr. Barnard was not merely the large-hearted man. 
He was a respectable scholar and loved the fellowship of 
literary men and good thinkers. He was a wise counsellor 
and his aid was much sought in the ecclesiastical councils of 
his time. He was a preacher of popular and acceptable gifts. 
Few ministers had more frequent proofs of this in the form 
of complimentary invitations to preach occasional discourses, 
abroad and at home ; many of which were also printed. 
He delivered the Dudleian Lecture at Cambrido'c in 1795; 
preached before the convention of congregational ministers 
in 1793 ; before the Ancient and Honorable Artillery 
Company in 1789 ; and ordination sermons at the settlement 
of Aaron Bancroft in Worcester in 178(), and of Ichabod 



38 



MEMOKIAL SEKMON. 



Nichols of Portland, Maine, in 1809 ; besides many other 
discourses before charitable institutions and on days of pub- 
lic observance. A discourse preached on the death of Gen. 
Washington, in 1799, was published "by desire of the 
town" and it shows a warm and admiring gratitude for the 
character and services of that great man; a feeling which 
obtained repeated expression in his public discourses. 

Durmg the ministry of Dr. Barnard this pulpit and this 
society stood also for religious liberty. Not negatively 
only, by preaching practical religion and leaving dogmatic 
divinity aside^ did the minister of this church discountenance 
bigotry and the over-valuation of theological schemes, but 
positively, earnestly, frequently, did he rebuke the spirit- 
ual assumption and uncharitableness which makes of one's 
own opinion, or of the interpretation of truth by one's own 
church, a standard for others' confessions. I presume that 
Dr. Barnard was in the earlier part of his ministry what was 
called then an Arminian, perhaps towards the end of his life 
a Unitarian. I speak guardedly, for though Dr. Channing 
so classed him, Dr. Samuel Worcester of the Tabernacle 
Church declared that he was not a Unitarian. Their different 
ways of defining "Unitarian" would probably explain the 
contradiction between them. Dr. Channing was not mis- 
taken, in supposing that Dr. Barnard was, in his general 
habits of thinking, in sympathy with the liberal clergy of 
his time, I have heard a tradition that when once a pa- 
rishioner said : "Dr. Barnard, I never heard you preach a 
sermon upon the Trinity," he replied : "And you never 
will." * It is very evident that the society at the time of 



* Dr. Prince says of him, however, that though "his preaching was more practical 
than metaphysical," he did not neglect to discuss any religious subject which he 



MEMORIAL SERMON. 



39 



his death in 1814 had had such teaching and was, in its whole 
organic life, so penetrated and moved by the spirit of religious 
freedom, that it was all ready to take, as it did take without 
a consciousness of change, its place among those churches 
which about that time were beginning to be known and to 
know themselves, as Unitarian. 

One of the later and most interesting of the minutes 
entered by his hand upon the pages of the church record 
book, is the reply sent by this church to a communication 
from the Eev. Abiel Abbot and the society of which he was 
the pastor, in Coventry, Connecticut ; an answer to the 
request that this church would send delegates to an ecclesi- 
astical council to be held in Coventry, to advise them as to 
their duty under what seemed to them an arbitrary attempt 
of neighboring churches to exercise ecclesiastical domination 
over them, in clear violation of the vital principles of con- 
gregational liberty. This church declined to send repre- 
sentatives to a council in Connecticut, "thinking it not 
proper for us," they say, "to enter in ecclesiastical form 
another state, which, with the patronage of its civil govern- 
ment differs from us in its church discipline." This did not 
prevent their severe condemnation, however, of the inter- 
ference of certain churches which had arrogated to them- 
selves the power to dismiss a minister from his settlement 
without his own or his society's consent. But "we think," 
is their conclusion, "an ecclesiastical council formed of 
mem])ers only from this state, to take cognizance of your 
affairs, would not be a promising means under divine 
Providence to free you from the injuries of which you 



thought wouhi tlirow light on the Scriptures, inform the minds of his hearers, and lay 
open the designs of God in the gospel, impress the minds of his hearers with reverence 
and love, confirm their faitli and excite obedience." 



40 



MEMOEIAL SEEMOX. 



complain, and to restore and establish the rights you claim 
as Christians. It might be seriously hurtful to you in ciyil 
process ; which, in our judgTaent, must issue your aggrieye- 
ments, or perpetuate them." 

This letter yas signed hj Thomas Barnard, "by the desire 
and direction of the church." But it is eyident, I think, 
from these last sentences at least, that it was not drawn up 
without consultation with legal minds ; and a church on 
whose roll of members stood the names of Judge Putnam, 
Ichabod Tucker and Leyerett Saltonstall, not to mention 
more, had no need to go elsewhere to find the ablest counsel 
for its guidance on questions legal-ecclesiastical. 

Still, this letter was in the yery yeiii of Dr. Barnard's 
most habitual thought and discourse. And it was well said 
after his death that "the influence of his name assisted to 
preserye the liberties of our churches from the abuses of 
power and the ignorance of misguided men." 

Dr. Barnard, whose death occmTcd Oct. 1, 1814, was 
succeeded in the following April by the youthful John 
Emery Abbot, son of Dr. Benjamin Abbot, for half a 
century the distinguished head of Phillips Academy at 
Exeter, X. H. It would be difficult to make those of the 
present generation, and sti'angers to our history, understand 
fully the yery great loye and yeneration with which this rare 
young man inspired his people : and which still make his 
name and memory dear to the hearts of his few suryiying 
contemporaries. Less than twenty-two years of age when 
he was settled ; assuming at once the full burden of pastor 
oyer a large society : and preacher to a congregation con- 
taining a large number of persons of high intelhgence and 
culture : his health neyer yigorous ; he possessed such 



MEMOEIAL SERMON. 



41 



graces of spirit, bore himself with such a modest dignity, 
preached with such a .matured wisdom and moving earnest- 
ness, and gave himself so wholly and gladly to his work, 
that the remembrances and traditions of his brief and 
broken ministry of four years — barely two and a half of 
active labor and ended more than fifty years ago — are more 
distinct, marked and permanent here to-day, than would be 
expected from a ministry of a quarter of a century. 

Before he had been two years here his health began to 
give way. A journey and short trial of a more southern 
air, in the fidl of 1817, proved of no advantage, — it was 
thought did him injury. And though he preached once 
after his return, he continued from that time steadily to 
decline. In the next spring and summer, of 1818, he 
rallied somewhat, passing the season in his native town. In 
the autumn worse symptoms reappearing, he sailed for 
Havana, though very feeble, and passed the winter in and 
near that city. The warmer climate brought no restoration ; 
and he returned extremely reduced to Exeter in June, 1819, 
and died there, at his father's house, on the 7th of October 
followinsr. 

o 

Mr. Abbot was a good scholar and a conscientious student. 
But his highest power lay in the silent influence which ever 
went forth from a soid which had its conversation in 
heaven ; a soul of deep religious scnsil)ility ; a character of 
stainless purity ; a life which seemingly exhibited at once, 
in tranquil equipoise and harmonious activity, all christian 
excellences. 

His early death, the fading out so soon of this morning 
light of Ijeauty and promise, watched as it was by so many 
tearful eyes and sympathetic hearts, no dou])t heightened 
3 



42 



MEMORIAL SERMON^. 



that exaltation of sanctified love by which he became trans- 
figured in the recollection of his people. 

The coming of Mr. Abbot to the ministry of the North 
Church marks an epoch in its history, in that it was the first 
taking of an open stand by the society on acknowledged 
Unitarian ground. Gradually, perhaps unconsciously, the 
society and its first minister had long been tending to this 
point. The church had never imposed a creed upon its 
members ; for neither the broad covenant of the First 
Church which it reaffirmed, nor the additional sentences 
which it put with it, made their subscription in any sense 
subscription to a creed. Even those phrases which incident- 
ally disclosed the faith of the church in certain doctrines, 
which it then held but afterwards discarded, were never 
written to be used as a creed, nor were referred to as such, 
nor imposed upon any ; and not till long after the church 
was largely composed of Unitarian believers, was it deemed 
of importance to change a word of them ; for they knew this 
writing to have been drawn and signed, not as a statement 
of what was to be believed, but as an engagement to fidelity 
in certain duties to be done and certain practical ends to be 
sought. The church was always catholic in spirit and set 
sincerity of belief and simple discipleship above all forms of 
confession. 

Congregationalism in Massachusetts up to this time had 
been a name without any necessary doctrinal significance. 
A church polity, simply as such, it drew up no sj^stem of 
divinity and prescribed no articles to be assented to. Indi- 
viduals within these churches did such things abundantly. 
But, as men free to think and write their thoughts, they did 
it, and they had been equally free to think and write other- 



MEMORIAL SERMON. 



43 



wise, if they had pleased, and Congregationalism, as a mode 
of church organization, government or fellowship, could not 
in consistency have cared or interfered. 

The name Unitarian had not yet begun to be much 
applied, distinctively, to churches, but within these churches 
discussion had long been going on over the doctrines of the 
Calvinistic scheme which, by many of the leading men of 
the state, clerical and lay, were zealously denied and ably 
controverted. Mayhew and Freeman, and not a few others 
of the clergy of Boston and the neighborhood, had been 
open champions of the Unitarian faith in the last century. 
It has been said that as early as 1790, the general tone of 
thought in Boston was Unitarian. It was probably as true 
of Salem as of Boston. Drs. Barnard, Prince and Bentley, 
and, if prevalent traditions can be trusted, a rector of St. 
Peter's Church, contemporary with them, were theologically 
in close sympathy with the Boston clergy just named ; while 
there were thoughtful laymen in alt these churches, not a 
whit behind their pastors, as defenders of religious liberty 
and as loyal disciples of reason in the interpretation of 
Christianity. 

The controversy waxed warmer in the early years of the 
present century. The views of different preachers were 
keenly canvassed and the lines of coming separation began 
to appear. William Ellery Channing, settled in the Federal 
street pulpit of Boston in 1803, though himself averse to 
polemic writing, gave a fresh impulse to the discussion by 
his inspiring discourses upon the immeasurable capabilities, 
hopes and aspirations, of human nature ; by his bold and 
warning call to churches and Christians to stand fast in their 
Christian liberties — to come under no yoke of human creed 



44 



MEMORIAI. SERMO^f. 



or spiritual court ; and by his constant appeal to the human 
reason and the human conscience, without whose authenti- 
cation he urged that no religion could gain permanent 
credence and acceptance with reasoning and conscience- 
guided men. 

Mr. Abbot had had his professional training in part under 
the guidance of Mr. Channing, in part also under the tuition 
of the elder Hemy Ware ; and had a warm friend in Henry 
Ware the younger. Sharing in the affectionate esteem of 
such men and of the younger ministers of the time trained 
in the same school of thought, such men as Frothingham of 
the First Church aiTd Everett of the Brattle Street Church 
in Boston, his call and coming to this church pronounced, 
what had before been known but not so fully recognized, 
that this church took its place among those which made 
"Holiness, Truth and Humanity" their sufficient motto. 

Mr. Channing preached at Mr. Abbot's ordination and Mr. 
Frothingham gave the Hand of Fellowship. The sermon 
made a deep impression. The subject of it was "Preaching 
Christ" (from Col. i, 28). In answering the question: 
"What are we to understand by 'Preaching Christ'," he 
announced, as his view, that "Preaching Christ does not 
consist hi making Christ perpetually the subject of dis- 
course, but in inculcating on his authority, the religion 
which he taught.'' This sermon was soon followed by the 
well-known controversial pamphlets between the preacher 
and the Rev. Dr. Samuel Worcester of the Tabernacle 
Church in this city, and by the full opening of the question 
of separation or continued union between the "liberal" and 
"orthodox" parties in the congregational churches of Mas- 
sachusetts, ending in separation. 



MEMOEIAL SEEMO?^. 



45 



A few months after the death of Mr. Abbot, the society 
and church gave a call to Rev. Henry Colman of Plingham 
to become their minister, but under such circumstances that 
it was declined. Mr. Colman was settled at the time over 
the Third society in that town ; and a considerable number 
of influential members of this society regarded that which is 
now so common and so little questioned, the inviting of a 
settled minister by another church, as a breach of christian 
comity and good fellowship ; and for that reason some 
resisted the action of the church and society in the matter 
and others took no part in the vote. A committee pre- 
viously appointed for the purpose had, however, solicited 
the opinions "of the principal officers of the University at 
Cambridge and some of the most eminent clergymen of 
Boston" upon the question ; and they reported unanimously, 
as the result of their inquiry, that the invitation could be 
extended "with propriety" and "with honor." 

Five years after, Mr. Colman having left his parish in 
Hingham and a portion of the First Parish in this town 
having endeavored unsuccessfully to settle him as a colleague 
with their aged pastor. Rev. Dr. Prince, a new society was 
formed, principally from his friends in the First and North 
Church congregations, taking the name of the Independent 
Congregational Society in Barton Square, of which he 
became the first minister. 

For a time the division of feeling, caused by the attempt 
to settle Mr. Colman and its faihu-e, had a disturbing and 
depressing effect upon the harmony of the society. But 
within some, six or eight months, fortunately, the minds and 
desires of the people centred with unanimity upon a gentle- 
man who accepted their invitation and on the 14th of No- 



46 



mMOPvIAI. SERMON. 



yember, 1820, was ordained their minister and held the 
pastoral office for more than a quarter of a century and till 
his death, which occurred on the 26th of February, 1846, — 
John Brazer. 

The period of Dr. Brazer's ministry was one of highest 
prosperity to this society", measuring prosperity by those 
tests which are most readily discernible ; it was strong in 
numbers, ample and liberal in resources, united in action 
and attentiye to the ministrations of the pulpit, — attentiye 
because interested in them. 

I know that to the seyere judgment and sensitiye spirit of 
the minister himself it often seemed otherwise. He deplored 
the little effect that his preaching seemed to produce. He 
estimated his success to be most moderate. He saw more 
distinctly what he had hoped to accomplish that had not been 
realized, than what he had done. But I take the judgment 
of those best qualified to say how it was and those facts I 
take which haye their own yoice, requiring no interpreter. 

In speaking of the condition of the society while under 
his charge, I feel that I am so largely illustrating his 
work and the nature and extent of his influence that I need 
not attempt to separate them. 

Thus it was, then, that the preaching of Dr. Brazer 
attracted hearers to his church, not by the surprises and 
excitements of a highly wrought oratorical manner, nor by 
rhetorical brilliancy, but by its ability, directness and power. 
It was marked by deep seriousness and by the graye dignity 
of the preacher's bearing and address ; by the proofs of 
careful learning and studious preparation ; by the clearness 
of his statements and the closeness and force of his 
reasonings, while all was presented in a style so conscien- 



MEMOEIAI. SERMON. 



47 



tiously transparent and simple, that any mind capable of 
taking the thought was not hindered by ambitious phrase- 
ology, or obscure constructions, or confusing images. 

Better than this, the honest hearer felt that he was 
honestly dealt with ; that here the most difficult and most 
important office of the christian preacher was fulfilled, that, 
namely, of the monitor and quickener of the conscience and 
the faithful exactor of righteousness. 

His preaching in the earlier part of his ministry, adapting 
itself to the state of religious thought and inquiry of the 
time, was more in the direction of doctrinal instruction for 
which his natural powers of mind, his strength in argument 
and his studious habits excellently qualified him. But, 
earlier and later, it was the natural tendency of his mind 
and moral nature, ever stirred by a quick religious sensi- 
bility, to give prominence to themes bearing upon personal 
conduct, the communings of faith and the soul's culture. 
To this, living witnesses can speak and the remembered 
voices of the dead bring testimony. 

The venerated Judge Samuel Putnam of the Supreme 
Court of Massachusetts, in requesting a dismission of him- 
self, wife and daughter to the church under the care of 
Rev. Dr. Lowell in Boston, in 1834, accompanied the 
request with expressions of grateful obligation to the pastor 
of this church, "for the very able and faithful manner in 
which you [he] have [had] discharged the arduous and very 
difficult duties of pastor and teacher," adding, "I desire also 
to manifest the deep interest which I now and ever shall 
have, for the peace and prosperity of the church and soci- 
ety, with which, for a great number of years, we have 
worshipped." No better testimony to the power and the 



48 



MEMORIAL SERMON. 



elevated character of Dr. Brazer's ministrations could be 
adduced, than the character of the men whom he drew 
together to his instructions from Sunday to Sunday. Judges 
Putnam and Story and Cummins ; Leverett Saltonstall, Col. 
Benjamin Pickman (the third in lineal descent who bore 
the title), Ichabod Tucker, John G-. King and Frederic 
Howes ; not to mention others less widely known, but 
scarcely less strong and disciplined in thought ; trained 
minds like these ; seekers for truth and its loyal followers 
like these, found here the wise and ripe teaching that carried 
them forward and helped them to be "men in under- 
standing," while they heard also such an uncompromising 
summons to fidelity, as deepened their sense of accounta- 
bleness for the right and religious use of every talent and 
ability they possessed. 

But higher testimony than theirs have we to the pastor's 
faithful execution of his Master's commission, coming from 
an humbler class, who testify that to the poor the gospel 
was preached ; preached not alone in words of hope and 
good cheer and unfaltering faith, but in acts of timely help- 
fulness and an ever open-handed bounty. Dr. Brazer per- 
formed well that delicate, but most christian and important 
duty of the minister, of bringing the rich and poor into 
closer sympathy and mutual regard; this, by the habit of 
bringing to the knowledge of the rich the opportunity^ and 
duty of doing good by their wealth among the unfortunate 
and needy and by acting as the almoner of the beneficent.. 
It has been my privilege since I have entered upon these 
walks of ministerial service which he so long and so unos- 
tentatiously pursued, to hear many expressions of gratitude 
from lips now silent, and to come upon proofs at humblest 



MEMORIAL SEEMOX. 



49 



firesides that there his memory is reverently and lovingly 
cherished. 

As a visitor of the sick and a consoler and helper of those 
in trouble, he carried a quick and unfailing sympathy to the 
homes of his people. If he must fail to see any in his 
pastoral visits with as much frequency as he or they desired, 
it was the prosperous and happy, not the suffering, who 
waited for him to come. 

Whether as preacher or pastor, he could not but be in 
earnest and impressive ; indeed I know not where the qual- 
ities of the preacher which he exemplified have been better 
set forth than in his own words ; or where the qualities 
which he set forth in words have been better exemplified 
than in himself. 

In a sermon at the ordination of my friend who sits near, 
and a child of the North Church (Kev. Jonathan Cole), from 
the text "fervent in spirit," he says among other things 
worth quoting if there were time ; "great results are sacri- 
ficed in a studied attention to details, — powerful impression 
in a pursuit of the minor graces of diction ; the benefit of 
the many in an excessive deference to the refined taste of 
the few. Anything almost that has pith and point is better 
than this sentence-making, this tame and lifeless rhetoric." 
"Nor will the preacher, who feels the true dignity and 
importance of his ofiice, freeze his words as they fall from his 
lips by his own apparent indifference to their import, or 
permit them to vibrate in a sleepy cadence, or to sink into a 
drowsy monotony. Nor when he speaks of themes that 
should strike and rouse the soul, will he speak as if he were 
performing a set task, but as if he were moved by a strong 
impulse to speak." 



50 



]VIEMOEIA3L SERMON. 



Once only I heard Dr. Brazer preach, in my youth, in 
the college chapel at Cambridge ; and with what impression 
of his effectiveness in the pulpit is best attested by the fact 
that not only his fine dignity and enchaining earnestness of 
manner are well remembered, but that the lesson of the 
hour has not faded away in these thirty intervening years. 

I am not ignorant of certain temperamental qualities, 
which at times interfered to some extent with an easy, free 
and close communion between Dr. Brazer and his people. 
He is pictured to me as a man by nature diffident and sen- 
sitive ; not always accessible and at ease, and ready in 
conversation in all companies ; and of a nervous excitability, 
perhaps, which made it difficult for him sometimes, not to 
betray those disturbances of feeling and changes of mood, 
of which others have no experience, or if they have them, 
which they are able to hide from notice. Of these little 
infelicities, comparative strangers, and tho§e who knew him 
only superficially, sometimes made too much. But those 
who knew him more closely and sympathized more fully 
with his deeper spirit and controlling purpose, found them 
no bar nor embarrassment to their intercourse and commu- 
nion with him, if indeed they saw them. In truth it is to be 
said of him, that they, who stood closest to him, knew him 
best, worked with him most intimately, and were themselves 
the most exacting judges of purity of character and personal 
fidelity, were the ones who most esteemed him and confided 
in him, and paid to him their most valued respect and 
affection. 

Dr. Brazer I judge to have been, by mental constitution 
and habit, a conservative in his views of truth, his regard 
for ancient custom, his idea of the right social order, 

I 



MEMORIAL SERMON. 



51 



progress and reform. In the theological discussions of his 
time within his own denomination, he leaned to the old 
, school rather than the new. As to the question of slavery 
and political changes in general, he shrank from disturbing 
existing foundations, and held by the conclusions of the 
past and fixed, rather than trust to the sea of the unknown 
and encounter the dreaded dangers of revolution. 

His health began to fail, sensibly, as early as 1843, and he 
experienced much suffering ; but he continued in the dis- 
charge of his duties till the first of the year 1846, when, on 
the first Sunday of the year, he preached his last sermon, 
from the text : "Whatsoever a man soweth that shall he 
also reap ;" spoken of by those who heard it as "pervaded 
by a spirit of tenderness altogether beyond what was usual 
in his public services." 

He left his home and people on the 19th of January, for 
a journey to the South, hoping that rest and change of 
climate would restore him. His illness was not considered 
as threatening a fatal result, and for a little while he seemed 
better ; but he died at the house of a friend and classmate, 
near Charleston, S. C, on the 26th of February, 1846.* 

I shall pursue the annals of our church and society no 
farther. I have reached the period of living ministers and 
of events remembered by the men of young and middle age 
to-day. To give more completeness to the record, I simply 
mention that Dr. Brazer was succeeded in the pastorship of 
this society l)y Mr. Octavius B. Frothingham of Boston, 



*Mr. Brazer was born in Worcester, Mass., Sept. 21, 1789, graduated from Harvard 
College in 1818 with the highest honors of his class; was afterwards 'tutor and pro- 
fessor of Latin in the college, which honored him in 1836 with the degree of S. T. D. 
He died at tlie plantation of Dr. Benjamin Huger, in South Carolina, at the age of 
56 years, 5 months. 



52 



3IEMOEIAL SEE3IOX. 



who was ordained, March 10, 1847, and contmued in the 
ministry here till April 9, 1855, when he resigned his charge 
to enter npon a new and wider field near, and soon within, « 
the city of New York. Key. Charles Lowe was installed 
pastor of this society on the 27th of September of the same 
year, and was com^^elled hj ill health to withdraw from this 
ministry on the 28th of July, 1857. The present minister 
was installed June 5, 1859. 

It has seemed conyenient to diyide the historical reyiew 
we haye taken into the periods of ministerial seryice, and 
the ministers themselyes haye stood out somewhat conspicu- 
ously in the sketch. 

It would be interesting, if there were time for it, to make 
more full reference to others, men and women, whose part 
in the support and direction of the affairs of the societ^^ 
has been most important. Such as haye not only kept up 
good courage in the minister by a ready seconding, but haye 
done distinct and positiye seryice in their own different 
ways besides ; in Sunday School and choir, and in nameless 
ways, such as a man or woman of force and wisdom, who 
wishes to sustain and strengthen a church and do good, easily 
finds. A society is strong, and makes its power felt, in pro- 
portion as it has such members. It is feeble, without charac- 
ter, and of little influence, in proportion as it has them not. 
This society has neyer been without such a membership. 
The list of those whose actiye nsefulness came within the 
first three-fourths of the century would be long. I haye 
named seyeral of them already, though not with the fulness 
of delineation which their liberality, constancy and efficiency 
would warrant. That family of Pickmans, for example. 
From the day when the church was formed, at the house 



MEMORIAL SERMON. 



53 



of the first Col. Benjamin Pickman, to tliis, it has given 
the support of wealtli, intelligence, character, and religious 
interest to this church. One of his sisters, at least, and two, 
it is believed, the widow of George Curwen and the wife of 
Ebenezer Ward, were original members of the society. 
Three grown-up sons, Benjamin, junior, William and Clarke 
Gayton, in the full maturity of their manhood, came with 
the father and mother and were, from the start of the enter- 
prise, efficient cooperators in its establishment. Of the 
next generation was the third Col. Benjamin, the grandson 
of the first ; lawyer, merchant, honored and respected 
citizen, Representative in Congress, liberal and enlightened 
Christian; and who, as president of the Board of Directors 
of the Theological School at Cambridge, gave the address at 
the laying of the corner-stone of the Divinity Hall in that 
place, and is remembered by those of you who have attained 
middle age, as having died here not quite thirty years ago. 
He was said by his pastor at that time to have been "a 
devoted friend of this church and society, where he has 
worshipped ever since they were founded." And his 
descendants are still with us. Of the same generation with 
him, and grandson likewise of the first Col. Benjamin, was 
the late Hon. Dudley L. Pickman, long a true friend of the 
society and whose descendants are still among the worship- 
pers here. And so, too, are descendants of Clarke Gayton 
Pickman enrolled among the members of this congregation 
to-day. 

I cannot trace every household minutely. I must not 
pass, without an additional Avord, however, Dr. Holyoke, a 
middle-aged man when tliis church was formed, and who 
lived to render it constant and valuable service for fifty-six 



54 



MEMOEIAL SEKMOJf. 



years afterwards ; one of its ruling elders for forty-five 
years ; one of the committee chosen to build the first 
meeting-house; forty years an active member of the Stand- 
ing Committee of the Proprietors ; the first person on whom 
Harvard College conferred the degree of Doctor of Medi- 
cine ; who, at one time, said there was not then a house in 
this town, to which he had not been called on some profes- 
sional duty ; who for many years stood at the preacher's 
right hand in the pulpit, on account of the deafness which, 
in his advanced years, prevented his hearing at the distance 
of his pew.* 

I have already mentioned Deacon Samuel Holman, who 
held the office of deacon or ruling elder — a part of the time 
both — from the foundation of the church to the time of his 
death, fifty-three years ; a member of the Standing Com- 
mittee of the Proprietors thirty-six years ; and Joshua Ward, 
chosen with John Nutting a ruling elder when the church 
was formed ; Francis Cabot, during the earliest years of the 
society, a liberal member and an active officer in the manage- 
ment of its affairs ; Jacob and Susannah Ashton, of whom I 
hear mention made as "pillars of the church," he, chosen a 
ruling elder fifty years ago ; the brothers. Deacons Elijah 
and Jacob Sanderson, the first the elder brother, but the 
younger deacon ; several among the more eminent lawyers 
of Essex County, and judges of the courts of Massachusetts 
and of the United States I have named before as worshipping 
here — Putnam and Tucker and Story and Saltonstall and 

*Dr. Holyoke was known repeatedly to make a hnnclred professional visits in a 
day. But, extensive as his practice became at the height of his professional distinc- 
tion, he acquired practice so slowly in the beginning:, that he thought seriously at one 
time of leaving Salem for some more encouraging opening. It is recorded of him that 
" from the time he began his medical practice until his death, a period of nearly eighty 
years, he has never been absent from this town at a greater distance than thirty miles.'' 



MEMORIAL SERMOJ^. 



55 



Cummins and King and Howes — and I mention their 
names again that I may take occasion to say that none of 
them were worshippers or hearers and nothing more, but that 
nearly all of them were found serving npon committees, and 
evincing their interest in other ways, in the welfare of the 
society, and their acceptance of the responsibility which 
membership in it involved. Ichabod Tucker's house was as 
well known to ministers as if it had been the house of a 
brother minister. His hospitality was wide and generous. 
He was a free, earnest and fearless inquirer into religious 
truth. He took a deep interest in the preaching of a lib- 
eral gospel, such as was represented by this church, and the 
society had in him a warm friend and steadfast supporter 
during a long life. 

The name of Leverett Saltonstall I must not pass without 
recallinsr the lonsr and faithful service he rendered here. 
Never pleading the engrossment of higher responsibilities, or 
more important cares elsewhere, numerous and exacting as 
his professional cares and public responsibilities often were, 
he was the trusted, willing and wise fellow-worker with the 
minister in all his labors. He was the devoted, punctual, 
and careful superintendent of the Sunday School ; an atten- 
tive member of the choir ; a sagacious adviser and an active 
worker in all christian and philanthropic measures ; ready 
whenever the church, or the cause of truth, or the needs of 
humanity laid a claim upon him. And I might continue with 
a list of liberal-minded merchants and prospered business 
men, now gone, who have given of their means and of their 
willing helpfulness to this church from its beginning. Of 
the earlier I have named the chief; I might mention more, 
the Wests and Gardners, Joseph Peabody, Icha])od Nichols, 



56 



MEMOEIAL SEEMOX. 



Grideon Tucker and others. It were well worth while, 
if there were time, to speak of the women also, whose intel- 
ligent interest in christian studies, and whose philanthropic 
impulses have here raised and kept high, the standard of 
educated reflection, religious thought, and earnest living ; 
such women as ]\Iiss Burleigh, the Misses Ashton, Miss 
Plummer, Mrs. Nathaniel Peahody and the Misses Savage, — 
to mention no more. 

Many of you have listened, very likely, for names which 
you have not heard, but which you expected to be called, 
when the story of the Xorth Church was to be told. But I 
have intended no complete enumeration : far from it. I 
have written down some of those names which I found re- 
corded, or have heard about and known familiarly, especially 
amons: the oldest and the first, for their beins;' at the found- 
ing of the church, or early in the counsels of our fathers, 
and foremost at the business of chnrch building here. 

One characteristic of this society I have already noticed as 
appearing during the ministry of Dr. Barnard, which, I 
think, can be traced throughout its history ; a true catholic- 
ity of spirit, showing itself in a uniform hospitality for 
various opinion, and a disposition to judge men by the 
standard of character rather than that of creed : adopting, 
indeed, the standard of Jesus : "hj their fruits ye shall 
know them." 

I have said that Dr. Barnard exemplified this spirit. 
Whatever his own creed — and every man has a creed — he 
would as little have thought of requiring another to have the 
same, as he would snflTer another to require conformity in him. 
His protest against church assumptions and individual dog- 
matizing was constant and eflective. He demanded freedom 



MEMORIAL SERMON. 



57 



for all. His sermon at the ordination of Mr. Bancroft in 
Worcester was a just expostulation against the irrational at- 
tempt to bring free minds, earnest in the pursuit of truth, 
all to like conclusions and a level sameness in their specula- 
tions ; and against the wrong done to truth, and to the soul 
itself, by enforced uniformity. 

This spirit has been kept alive in this church, I believe, all 
along its way, and was never more truly characteristic than 
to-day. 

I suppose it is true that the prevailing thought of the 
society, and the general color of its tendencies and prefer- 
ences, whether relating to social, political, or religious 
questions, have been what would be called conservative ; 
the more honorable and noble, therefore, its devotion to 
intellectual freedom and mental integrity, and its careful and 
jealous maintenance of the right and duty of private judg- 
ment, and of fidelity to the individual conscience. 

Let me not claim too much. I do not claim that this was 
an absolute and perfect catholicity, or even a toleration with- 
out inconsistency or flaw. The passions and prejudices 'of the 
hour always ebb and flow through church doors, as elsewhere. 

When the First Baptist society was about to settle its first 
minister, Rev. Mr. Bowles, in January, 1805, I find it upon 
the record that the}^ asked for the use of the North Meeting 
House for the services of his ordination ; and it was granted. 
But the newspapers* tell me that our neighbors went, after 
all, to the Tabernacle Church for their service. Was it 
because they learned that the vote opening the North 
Church to them showed twelve dissentients? At any rate, 
let us not hide it that such Avas the fact. 



4 



*'*Salera Gazette," Jan. — , 1805. 



58 



MEMOEIAL SEEMOX. 



I find upon the ontside of a pamphlet in the library of the 
Essex Institute — the proprietors' record makes no allusion 
to it. though the statement must be received as none the 
less authentic — that the use of the church was solicited for 
the funeral solemnities which were to be observed in Salem, 
on the death of the American officers, Capt. James Law- 
rence and Lieut. Augustus C. Ludlow, who lost their lives 
in the engagement between the frigates Shannon and Chesa- 
peake otf this coast on the first of June, 1813. '-The use 
of the Xorth Meeting House was requested,*' says the note 
of Mr. Crowninshield, "because it has many advantages 
over every other in town, particularly on account of its size 
and the fine organ which it contains." The committee of 
the proprietors made answer that they "had no authority to 
open the house for any other purpose than for public wor- 
ship."" And it was true that a vote stood on the j)i'oprietors' 
book '"that the house should be opened only for public 
worship.'*' But it had been before, and was afterwards, 
opened on many public days, and if the proprietors had 
been as generally democratic in politics as they were feder- 
ahsts, there is little reason to doubt that the committee 
could have found suflicient authority for granting its use on 
this occasion. 

In the period of its later history, a period of unex- 
ampled latitude of inquiry, I believe that the living- minis- 
ters who have served in this place will bear their united 
testimony that, diverse as have been their own inter[Dreta- 
tions of truth and duty, and their administration of the 
Teacher's ofiice, and with whatever of individual objection 
their instruction upon any theme may have been received, 
that objection has seldom taken the form of an expressed 



MEMORIAL SERMON. 59 

wish, or consent, even, that the mmister should be guided 
by any conclusion but his own ; and the general voice has 
been clearly, unmistakably, constantly encouraging to entire 
loyalty to every innermost and fixed conviction. 

Conservative, if this church has been, after a sort, it has 
always had its pioneers searching forward with earnest ques- 
tionings into the new fields of religious truth. Samuel 
Curwen was a Unitarian in 1775-6, when the society gener- 
ally were not. Ichabod Tucker and Frederic Howes were 
free critics, in 1815, of the phraseology of the covenant of 
1773, and of many points in the prevalent theology of the 
day, long before these had been generally abandoned. And 
I need not tell you what a kindly shelter this church has 
given to all serious and reverent questioning, however free, 
in these later years. 

It is my joy, my pride — I hope not an unpardonable 
pride — that I can bear this testimony ; that this society 
seems to have had and to have that steadiness and patient 
self-possession, which comes from freedom only ; from 
courage to prove all things ; which has come, I may saty, 
from an experience more than commonly wide and instruc- 
tive ; from having a faith that has been made to know the 
strength of its own rooting ; and has found it too deep and 
fast to be torn away by the conflicts of opinion ; a faith 
which sinks past and below all human opinions, including 
its own ; sinks into the spirit of God and so beds itself 
in the life eternal, that it has no fear that it can ever be 
moved. 

He was a true prophet, I like to think, who wrote of you 
once : "Animated by a spirit of conservatism which does 
not dread reform, arid by a liberality which is also cautious 



60 



MEMOEIAL SEEMOX. 



and Tvis'e, you will help to guide the progress in whose 
advantages you will share."* 

TTe say sometimes that the future is not within our con- 
trol. Spoken of the future event, in its detail of form and 
time and order, this is true. But of each future seen as 
revealing the persistency of forces that are never idle ; seen 
as a stream flowing unbroken from the fountain of -past 
causes lying deep in the recesses of the human will and the 
human motive, each future thus stamped with a distinct char- 
acter of its own, and having a manifest unity with its own 
past : seen as such, nothing is plainer than that each future, 
say our future, is largely within the directing will of the 
souls standing on their own ground and on their own feet 
to-day ; for that Providence which we recognize in history 
makes use at every stage of the free human will, and works 
through it, on towards its own unchanging ends. 

We can see that the beginning of these hundred years was 
charged largely with the very religious thought and life that 
constitute the life-blood of the best being and activity of 
this hour. T\^e hope there is gTowth and believe there is ; 
but it is the same tree. 

As surely is it in our power to pass down to the children 
of that generation which shall occupy our places a hundred 
years forward such a positive, strong, vital current of relig- 
ious energy, i^rophetic fii'e and courage, moral sturdiness 
and irrepressible seekings for the face of God and the well- 
being of mankind, as shall then be traceable back to this 
day. 

We study history, in part to learn how to make it, and in 



*Eev. James Freeman Clarke, in a letter declining an invitation to the pastorship 
of the society. 



MEMORIAL SERMON. 



61 



part to learn how to be made use of by it ; how to discover 
its lines of movement, that we may fall in with them and be 
wrought humbly into its sublime and endless building. 

*' The new is old, the old is new,— 
******* 

The eternal step of progress beats 
To that great anthem, calm and slow, 
Which God repeats ! 

Take heart i— the Waster builds again,— 

A charmed life old goodness hath : 
The tares may perish,— but the grain 

Is not for death," 



EXERCISES 

AT 

Normal Hall, 

INCLUDING 

ADDRESSES 

AND 

CORRESPONDENCE. 

(63) 



EXERCISES AT NORMAL HALL. 



After the exercises at the church, the members of the North 
society with their invited guests assembled at Normal Hall on 
Broad street, for a collation and social entertainment, the hall 
being opened to them for the occasion by the courtesy of Pro- 
fessor D. B. Hagar, Principal of the State Normal School, and 
with the consent of the Committee of the State Board of Educa- 
tion having charge of the building. 

The tables were laid with elegance and abundance by Mr. 
E. P. Cassell, and were decorated with flowers in great profusion 
and variety. 

Shortly after two o'clock the President, the Hon. George B. 
LoRiNG, called the company to order, and asked their attention 
while the Rev. J. T. Hevtes, of the First Church, invoked the 
divine blessing, as follows : — 

Our Heavenly Father, we thank Thee for all Thy gifts. We 
thank Thee that we are permitted to gather here upon this memo- 
rable occasion and unite our hearts, our sympathies and our 
memories in one common feast of thought. We pray Thee, bless 
this occasion unto us all, bless all connected with our churches, 
and all the families who are represented here to-day. Bless also 
the memories of those who have gone from our sight, but whose 
memory and character we cherish in our hearts at this time, and 
may we feel it is good for us to have come here, and may its 
influence go with us throughout our lives. We ask all this as 
disciples of Jesus Christ, Thy Son. Amen. 

After an hour spent in festivity, the President, Dr. Lorinq 
commenced the intellectual exercises of the occasion with the 
following address : — 

(65) 



66 



EXERCISES AT NOEMAL HALL. 



ADDRESS OF THE HON. GEO. B. LOEING. 

I assume the duties which have been assigned me on this occa- 
sion, m}'- friends, with mingled emotions, with a crowd of various 
memories and with renewed respect for all the associations, old 
and new, by which, in my mind, the North Church in Salem is 
surrounded. Although my connection with this society is of com- 
paratively short duration, I cannot remember the time, when its 
name did not convey to me the thought of a warm religious faith, 
great integrity and ardent devotion to the best purposes of life. 
Born among the theological incidents of Essex County, in one of 
its most theological towns, and in the midst of some of its warmest 
theological endeavors, taught at my father's fireside to know the 
sacrifices of the New England clergy, and called upon to listen to 
the traditions of Liberal Christianity here, I can never forget the 
imposing attitude in which this church stood before my youthful 
mind, with its scholarly pastor and his cultivated flock. To my 
ancestors, of all the generations that I ever knew, the name of the 
North Church was sacred. And I now hold and prize, as a pre- 
cious family inheritance, the well-read Bible and devotional volumes, 
which consoled and comforted the founders of this church and their 
fathers before them. This occasion, therefore, is to myself full of 
interest. 

But to you also who sit here, indeed to all the thoughtful and 
devoted Christians of this christian community, this event is 
interesting and suggestive. A century of the deepest thought, 
the boldest speculation, the most vigorous action, the most rapid 
change, the most thorough and permanent progress, we trust, con- 
stitutes the lifetime of this church. In the great eflbrts and events 
of that period of time just now closing, the worshippers here have, 
in various ways, performed an important part. The severity of 
the first collision between the patriots of the Revolution and their 



EXERCISES AT NORMAL HALL. 



67 



oppressors was modified by the soothing and conser Amative words 
of your first pastor ; it was a child baptized at this altar, who, in 
manhood, sustained the honor of Massachusetts in her early polit- 
ical struggles ; it was the bold and stalwart and sagacious pillars 
of this church, who established the early commercial renown and 
prosperity of this city ; and to the statesmanship and jurisprudence 
of our land, have its pious sons made liberal and valuable contri- 
butions. Not always revolutionary perhaps, it has always been 
faithful and prudent and wise. Open-minded at least, when not 
restless nor audacious, it presents an admirable illustration of the 
power of a charitable religious faith to remove all obstacles to 
man's advancement, from the repose of conservatism to the vigor- 
ous and somewhat uneasy ways of even healthy reform. And 
while it has held that intimate relation to the highest mental and 
material efibrt of its century of life to which I have referred, it 
enjoys the remarkable distinction of having furnished, in its 
infancy, Armenianism and pacification to the councils of the first 
war for American freedom and, in the strength of its manhood, 
Unitarianism and a chaplain to the service of the last ; illustrating, 
in this way if in no other, its capacity for progress, and its growth 
in vigorous thought and valuable endeavor. That it has discharged 
its duty well, therefore, who can doubt? That it has performed 
its part in the great work of liberalizing the christian faith, and 
warming the christian heart, and enlarging the christian mind, 
and making wide the entrance to the christian church, as it has 
passed on from the formalities and fears of its first pastor to 
the mild courage, and solicitous liberality and abiding faith and 
practical philanthropy, which characterize him who now fills the 
place once occupied by Barnard and Abbot and Brazer and Froth- 
ingham and Lowe, in its progress "from strength to strength," 
let us all believe, and remember with pride and inspiration. 

Prepared for each advancing occasion, by that liberal christian 
faith, which recognizes the mercy as well as the justice of the 



68 



EXERCISES AT NORMAL HALL. 



Almighty Father, and true to that broad charity which, founded 
on divine love, looks with a forgiving eye on human infirmity, what 
a parochial paradise the North Church has been, from the begin- 
ning of its century until now ! From its sacred walls no pastor 
has yet been driven. Fortunate, I know, in its selections, it has, 
I am sure, exercised all the kindness and consideration which a 
pastor could desire and, as a natural and consequent reward, its 
people have received the best its pastors could bestow. While 
I cannot for one moment believe that this record will either em- 
bolden the pastors or embarrass the people w^ho come after us, 
I trust it will serve to teach a lesson of mutual responsibility, 
and of that gentleness towards each other's faults, and regard 
for each other's virtues, which can alone make a really high-toned 
christian society, and secure and develop a really useful parish 
minister. 

And now, my friends, what a dear and sacred procession passes 
before us ! Oh ! that we could recall for one moment that sainted 
assembly, to whose entrance to the heaven of peace and rest, this 
church was the shining portal ! As we gather around their altar 
and our own, what a pure and radiant company surrounds us, the 
old and the j^oung, the strong and the gentle, dearer than ever now 
that they are free from the tarnish of earth, and now that they 
beckon us on to their blissful abode. Time and the centuries may 
make more illustrious records, but none so tender, none so exalt- 
ing as the chapter of joys and sorrows, of conflicts and victories, 
written by a christian church in the life and labor of a hundred 
years. There may be more stirring annals, but there are none 
more purifying and ennobling than those which tell of a pastor's 
devotion and a people's love ; of the heroism of the suffering and 
bereaved ; of the power of great faith and trust in God ; of the 
sweet associations which surround the altar ; of that sublime 
aspiration which, rising above the conflicts of opinion, builds a 
broad and universal church on earth and rejoices that there is but 



EXEKCISES AT NORMAL HALL. 



69 



one congregation in heaven ; of that spiritual and triumphant 
church, whose corner-stone is the " charity " which " never faileth." 
To the future of the North Church we submit this as the lesson of 
the past, while we pray for the prosperity of that Zion of charity 
and love, which shall be "the joy of the whole earth." 

And now, my friends, I know of no occasion in which a people 
like ourselves are not happy to greet the muse. We have a church 
poet among us, and I call upon the Rev. Charles T. Brooks, who 
will now read to you a poem. Mr. Brooks then read the following 

EHYMED REMINISCENCES. 

Is there a place, in these impetuous times, 

For sentimental, retrospective rhymes ? 

Will the express train of this rushing age 

Accommodate a floral pilgrimage ? 

Can Poetry or Piety beguile 

The iron car of Fate to stay awhile, 

And let its favored prisoners pause an hour 

To rock in Fancy's barge, or rest in Memory's bower? 

There are, who say, In this new morning's blaze, 
Why rake amidst the dust of buried days ? 
Not in that heap shall truth, the diamond, lie, 
The future shows it sparkling in the sky ! 
On ! is the word ; — your antiquarian lore 
Is idle, childish pastime — nothing more ! 
Heed not the tale, O friends ! a larger thought 
To musing souls by earth and sky is taught. 

The modern traveller in his dizzjdng car 
Sees calmly that alone which lies afar : 
To scan the nearer tilings he vainly tries — 
They speed too fast for his bewildered eyes. 
Kelieved, his vision rests whore, far and fair, 
The landscape stretches in serener air. 
How oft my heart leaped up with nmte delight, 



EXERCISES AT NORMAL HALL. 



When, as a boy, I journeyed liome at night, 

To see, while trees and lights behind us fled. 

The moon and stars ride with us overhead. 

So with the things of time — like dreams they glide 

The eternal things are ever at our side. 

The present moments sparkle, fade and flee — 

The past is part of God's eternity. 

Once, in a tropic clime, I sailed away 
From a steep coast across a tranquil bay, 
When lo ! behind the fast receding shore. 
Up rose the inland hills, and more and more 
Lifted their greeting summits, green and clear, 
And made the friendly land seem following near 
So, as we voyage o'er the sea of time. 
The past looms up, mysterious and sublime, 
Lifts its fair peaks into the tranquil sky, 
And with its greeting, follows as we fly. 

When summer-nightfall veils the landscape o'er, 

Erom upland meadow to the murmuring shore, 

How sweet, to men who sail the darkling seas. 

Low voices borne from land on evening's breeze ! 

So from afar, o'er Memory's mystic deep, 

Like sounds from home, melodious whispers creep, 

Of souls that wait on some far inland shore 

To welcome back long absent friends once more. 

Oft on the sea of life these tones we hear, 

That make that distant shore seem strangely near. 

A spirit's breath is in the quivering breeze 

That sweeps the invisible wind-harp of the seas ; 

A spirit's voice breathes out a plaintive strain, 

With sweetest cadence in each sad refrain ; 

A song of songs, where all the heart has known 

Of grief or gladness blends in every tone. 

" Dame Memory," (so majestic Milton sings, 
In speech that like a silver trumpet rings) — 
" Dame Memory and her siren daughters" — nay- 



EXERCISES AT. NORMAL HALL. 



No flattering, false, deceptive sirens they! 
Though oft across life's waves their mournful smile 
The pilgrim's fond, reverted glance beguile, 
Though, by the magic of their soothing strain, 
Springs tender pleasure from remembered pain, 
Though, over days that faded long ago. 
Their tender music flings a moonlight glow, 
That moon with no delusive glory gleams : 
Forth from a hidden sun that lustre streams, 
And every joy that has been, prophesies 
Of bliss that shall be in unfading skies. 

0 pale and pensive Memory ! thou, no less 

Than Hope, thy sister, art a prophetess ! 

Men picture thee alone amidst thy dead, 

In fruitless wailing o'er the days long fled, 

With tearful eyes that passionately yearn 

To wake a life that slumbers in the urn ; 

While bright-eyed Hope with sun-tipped pinion flies 

To hail the life new-streaming from the skies. 

Young Hope — Old llemonj : so the poets feign ; 

But is it so ? Are not these daughters twain 

Of God, like those two sons of light, twin-born — 

The Star of evening and the Star of morn ? 

And what though Hesper in the sunset skies 

Looks a mute solace for the day that dies, 

Doth not that gracious herald point the way 

To ever-dawning, never-dying day ? 

Aye, Memory hojjes — she hopes and prophesies; 

Of life eternal she too testifies ; 

She is the evening star whose tender light 

Heralds the day of God, that knows no night ; 

The farewell smile of day in western skies 

Greets the far East, where soon the sun shall rise. 

Hope — Memory — blessed pair ! how sweetly gleams 
O'er life the lustre of their mingling beams ! 
There comes, e'en here on earth, full many an hour, 
When, by tlic stress of thought's transfiguring power. 



EXERCISES AT NORMAL HALL. 



Some joy or sorrow, with absorbing sway, 
Swells to an age the limits of a day : 
And lo ! the sun stands still o'er Gibeon, 
While softly, from the veil of Ajalon, 
The lingering moon looks forth — and moon and sun 
Like rose and lily, weave their lights in one ; 
Moonrise and sunset — Hope and Memory — blend 
To make the Heavenly day that knows no end. 

The past is not allj^assed, not wholly dead ! 
Our life still echoes to its voice and tread. 
The soul awakes — and lo ! like phantoms glide 
The living shapes that bustle at our side ; 
The while our dead dwell on an inner mount. 
Made green forever by the living fount, 
Where this imposing world's tumultuous roar 
Dies in faint murmurs on an inland shore. 

What is your boasted Present Hour, and where ? 

Ye seek to clutch it, and it is not there ! 

The Past, the Puture — these, in friendly strife, 

Make the perpetual present of our life. 

On that vast sea, the rushing flood of Time, 

Where ages, years and moments sink and climb, 

'Twixt the last ridge and the next moment's brow 

Comes the brief instant dreamy souls call now, 

And deem a foothold firm to stand upon ; 

Yet, ere the mind can grasp it, it is gone ! 

The only true and real now abides 

On the soul's rock above the rushing tides : 

That Mount of Vision, where from Memory's mien 

The veil falls off, and Hope's own eyes are seen. 

The Past is nothing, sayst thou ? Rather say. 
The Past is everything ; naught else shall stay. 
For hear this truth, 0 soul, by reason taught. 
And heed this truth, 0 man, with wisdom fraught : 
The Past, one day, all Time shall gather in ; 
What has been, is ; what will be, will have been. 



EXERCISES AT NORMAL HALL. 



73 



O friends, who gather here this festal day, 

On Memory's altar pious gifts to lay, 

Say, do your hearts confess, the Past is dead? 

That aught once precious to the soul has fled? 

Oh no ! the good old times, the good old men. 

If once they seemed to perish, live again. 

The men of reverent soul and thoughtful mind. 

They have not passed away and left behind 

Their name and memory only here below ; 

Their presence fills our hearts with kindling glow. 

The white haired sires who rose on childhood's eyes. 

Like hoary mountain peaks in purer skies, 

That seemed in august majesty to stand 

And catch the vision of the promised land — 

Those old white heads — like lamps of lambent light,* 

Pillars of fire to guide through this world's night. 

The eyes of love that on our childhood smiled, 

The lips of wisdom, faithful, firm and mild, 

The careful hands that led our wayward feet, 

Morning and evening greetings, soft and sweet, 

These are not lost, these have not vanished ; no ! 

They were no cunning juggler's mimic show ! 

Parents, preceptors, pastors, were a line 

Of Prophets pointing to the Love Divine : 

A group of shining ones — no shadowy band, 

Still beckoning onward to the sunny land. 

Where still they walk, arrayed in robes of white. 

And bid us with them walk the fields of light. 

To-day how real and how fresh appears 

The faded history of a hundred years ! 

A hundred years ! — though few the living men. 

Whose memory runs through threescore years and ten, 

Yet we, who haply in our boyhood saw 

The old centennial men, with wondering awe, 



* I think this comparisoa is a reminiscence from one of Theodore Parker's printed 
pi-ayers.— C. T. B. 



(5) 



EXEKCISES AT NOEMAL HALL. 



Saw in their eyes, and seem e'en now to see, 
The lifetime of a former century. 

We see thy new-cut frame, " Old North," arise ; 
We hear thy new-hung bell salute the skies, 
We see the manly Barnard's placid form 
Amid the Revolution's gathering storm. 
Hark to the roll of Sabbath breaking drums ! 
Up Lynde street now the bristling column comes 
I see the startled congregation pour. 
Curious and anxious, from each swarming door. 
Men, women, children, parson in his gown, 
All to the river-side are hurrying down, 
And there is seen a sight I wonder much 
Has tempted no historic painter's touch. 
This way and that the fiery colonel flies, 
With flashing sword and fury flashing eyes ; 
Our placid, kindly pastor stands the while. 
Aplomb, with quiet words and quiet smile, 
Helping right well the logic of events 
Across the river with his calm good sense. 
For lo ! that side the stream is played the game 
McFingal's muse has handed down to fame. 
For neither blood-red coats nor bloody threats, 
Nor brandished swords, nor gleaming bayonets 
On foemen's guns can strike with proper awe 
Those daring boys astride the bridge's draw, 
Who, mindful of the ancient saw, before 
The horse was stolen, shut the stable door, 
And when the iron prey he sought is gone. 
Will let the seizer cross his Rubicon. 

Old North ! thy tender years were then but three ; 
War rocked the cradle of thy infancy. 
Who is there living now that saw that day. 
Heard that first muttering of the coming fray ? 
That congregation God has gathered in. 
Where shall be heard no more earth's battle din. 
Gone is the house of God that felt the jar, 



EXERCISES AT NOEMAL HALL. 



75 



That Sabbath noon, of War's approaching car. 

Gone ? nay, its place shall know it never more, 

Haply one day shall men in vain explore 

To find the place itself where once it stood, — 

Still more, a vestige of its ancient wood; 

Yet through all transmigration safe to-day 

Its form abides and shall abide for aye. 

Where — in what realm — do still these eyes behold, 

As once, with childish gaze, in years of old, 

They looked upon that holy, homely place, 

The old square pews and each familiar face? 

Say, in what world that reverend pile still stands. 

Alike defying time and human hands ? 

Unchanged by sudden whim or slow decay, 

Lives that old house in memory's light to-day. 

Oh for some Goldsmith now, in vivid hues 

To paint the scenes that mock my feeble muse ! 

Once more, old sounding-board ! reverberate 

And ring and roar while thee I celebrate ! 

Stupendous wonder lifted up on high ! 

Ponderous paradox to childhood's eye ! 

Enormous bulk suspended in mid-air, 

A sword of Damocles, by a wooden hair ! 

Each urchin watched with mingling hope and dread, 

To see it fall plump on the parson's head ! 

And that dark hole beneath the pulpit stairs, 

That still almost, at times, my memory scares ! 

What if the tidy-man,"* bad boy ! should hale 

Thy trembling body to that gloomy jail ! 

— But soft ! half lost through memory's gallery-door, 

My thoughts one flying phantom half restore : 

'Tis thou, old Father Boyce ! risen from the dead. 

The well-known old bandanna round thy head. 

And the knob-headed pole — the magic wand — 

The dreaded ensign of thy stern command : 



♦Corruption of tithing-man, the same person having, probably, once been sexton and 
tax-collector. 



76 



EXEKCISES AT NOEI^IAL HALL. 



Full many an urcliin of the gallery crew 

Feared tliat long sceptre — aye, and felt it too. 

Like rifle's crack I've heard the blow come down 

With a sharp ring upon some culprit's crown. 

— The vision fades — old Boyce slips through the door — 

Another, brisker step is on the floor ; 

But, quick-eyed, nimble-tongued and slight of limb, 

Old William Gavett was a boy to him. 

Little old man, thy image leads a train 

Of funny recollections through the brain. 

It marks the time, when doubts began to grow, 

If bodily shivers fanned the spirit's glow, 

I see thee stand beside thy oven-door 

With hospitable hands to feed once more 

The foot-stove borne along the icy street 

With its red comfort for maternal feet ; 

Where filial feet that could not touch the floor, 

Dangled and kicked tiU the long hour was o'er, 

The last prayer closed and seats slammed down again 

With what queer Hood might call a wooden Amen.* 

— Again across the field my magic glass 

I slide, to let another figure pass. 

What grave, gaunt form now stalks before my eye — 

O prince of organ-blowers, Philip Erye ! 

That suit of black, that sober Sunday face. 

Threw o'er thee such a sanctimonious grace. 

That strangers sometimes have been known to err. 

And take the blower for the minister. 

— But what a change when Monday morning came ! 

Can this — I often wondered— be the same, 

The very self-same Philip, that I meet 

Mincing and simpering down through Essex street? 

The long-tailed Sunday coat of black displaced 

By a blue jacket of the shortest waist ; . 

The Sunday visage too is laid aside, 



*Hood, in his " Music for the Million," describes an angry man as slamming a door to 
with a wooden Damn. 



EXEECISES AT NOEMAL HALL. 



77 



The air of holy reticence and pride : 

The Sabbath spell is off — with common men 

Lo Philip is a man* — yea boy, again. 

But soon as Sunday morn again comes round, 

The reverend Philip at his post is found, 

Where in the pauses of his holy toil, 

As if anointed with invisible oil, 

He looks from out his cell complacent round. 

Rapt with the memory of the solemn sound, 

With large, contented eyes that seem to say, — 

' ' Have we not done the music well to-day ?" 

But tender memories rise meanwhile and cast 
Their sacred shadows o'er the deathless past. 
The home where first we tasted heavenly love, 
The church that brought to view a world above, 
To these the heart comes back, where'er we roam, 
" True to the kindred points of heaven and home ! " 
How sweet a memory his, on whom, as child. 
The gentle face of sainted Abbot smiled. 
Who feels to-day, though fifty years have fled, 
That hand of benediction on his head ! 

Ah, all too soon for us that gracious light 

The veil of death removed from mortal sight — 

Removed — not quenched ; — from heaven, with purer beams, 

Along our path through memory's air it gleams. 

And many a one, whose young eyes scarcely saw 

The look of that sweet face, for very awe. 

Feels that remembered ^^resence, mild and calm. 

Breathe o'er his soul a summer morning balm. 

Then came to us that gifted one,t whose mind, 
Graced with ripe culture and with taste refined, 
In fervid feeling's glow devoutly wrought 
The lucid links of energetic thought. 



* The classic allusion here will of coux-se be understood, 
t Dr. Brazer. 



78 



EXEECISES AT NOEMAL HALL. 



Well could he point with wit the shaft of truth, 
Stir the ambition of ingenuous youth, 
Eebuke the worldling's vain and shallow sneers, 
And show Heaven's ^,alnbow-light on sorrow's tears. 

One picture waits for this poor pencil yet — 
Who that beheld the sight can e'er forget ? — 
When, punctual as the Sunday morn appears, 
That form unbowed beneath its hundred years,* 
And at the pastor's side devoutly stands. 
As if to hear with him the Lord's commands. 
So a calm mountain rises white with snow, 
While at its feet streams gush and roses glow ; 
The evening beams that play around its head, 
On other worlds a morning- sunlight shed. 
Serene old man ! when sank thy honored head, 
A hundred years were numbered with the dead ; 
As melts a snow-white foam-flake in the sea, 
A century melted in Eternity. 
Nay, from the sacred place where once with awe 
In the prayer-hour thy aged form we saw 
Stand with bowed head and reverential air, 
A century still looks down upon us there,! 
And with a voice of old experience cries : 
Fear God, love man, be temperate, just and wise ! 

With thee my song shall close : — O patient friends, 

'Tis well that here my broken music ends. 

So its last moan the shattered sea-wave makes, 

When on the monumental rock it breaks. 

Haply may these poor words, my stammering tongue 

Upon its native air hath freely flung. 

To the rude clang of memory's wayward lyre, 

In some true heart awake a smouldering fire, 



* Dr. Holyoke, who in his last days used to stand, often even through the sermon, 
with his ear close to the pi-eacher. 

t "Forty centuries are looking down upon us."— Napoleon at the Pyramids. 



EXERCISES AT NORMAL HALL 



79 



, And reenkindle there the faith sublime, 

That hears through all earth's din the Eternal City's chime. 

Peace to my lingering song ! and peace to thee, 

City of Peace ! of Pilgrim memory, 

Sweet home and sacred shrine, old Salem town ! 

Add new bright centuries to thy old renown ! 

Well may he be forgiven, a child of thine, 

Whose hand presumptuous would to-day entwine 

Amid thy chaplet green one fresh-plucked flower, 

That may not long outlive the passing hour. 

No words could ever give fit thanks to thee, 

For all that thou hast given and been to me ! 

A child's warm blessing on thy fields and skies, 

Thy rocky pastures dear to childhood's eyes, 

Thy fresh blue waters and fair islands green. 

Of many a youthful sport the favorite scene, 

North Fields and South Fields — Castle Hill — Dark Lane, 

And Paradise, where memory leads the train 

Of her transfigured dead, whose relics lie 

At rest where living waters murmur by.* 

A blessing on the memory of the line 

Of statesmen, saints and sages, sons of thine ! 

A blessing, last of all, on thee, old North ! 

From thee may Peace and Love and Light stream forth ! 

May Learning and Eeligion, Grace and Truth, 

Shed here the glory of perennial youth ! 

May Faith and Freedom here join hand in hand 

To lead thy children to the promised land ! 

Dear city of our fathers ! may their God 

Still guide and comfort with the stafi" and rod. 

And in the cloud and fire lead onward still 

Our faltering footsteps up the heavenly hill ! 

The President then called upon the Rev. S. C. Beane, of the 
East Church, to read the first hymn in the programme. That 



* In the beautiful cemetery of Harmony (jirove, washed by the North Ilivcr. 



80 



EXERCISES AT NORMAL HALL. 



hymn, continued the President, was written by that most esti- 
mable of clergymen of whom Mr. Emerson once said that he was 
a man of genius, James Flint, D. D. I am fortunate in calling 
upon Dr. Flint's successor to read it. 

The audience then united in singing the following hymn to the 
tune " Federal Street" ;— 

In pleasant lands have fallen the lines 

That bound our goodly heritage : 
And safe beneath our sheltering vines 

Our youth is blest, and soothed our age. 

What thanks, 0 God, to Thee are due, 
That Thou didst plant our fathers here ; 

And watch and guard them as they grew, 
A vineyard to the planter dear. 

Thy kindness to our fathers, shown 

In weal and woe through all the past, 
Their grateful sons, 0 God, shall own, 

While here their name and race shall last. 

THE PRESIDENT. 

My friends, I think Salem is getting on famously. The tune 
that has just been sung was also written in Salem, by a Salem 
man. Beginning, therefore, with the poem by Mr. Brooks, the 
hymn by Dr. Flint, and the music by Gen. Oliver, I don't think 
Salem ought to be ashamed of herself. You have heard allusions 
made to Mr. Abbot. We have here a contemporary of his, who 
preached in his pulpit between the time of his call and his ordi- 
nation, one of the most stanch and faithful ministers of the Uni- 
tarian Church — the Rev. Joseph Allen, D. D., of Northborough. 



EXEKCISES AT NOKMAL HALL. 



81 



ADDKESS OF DR. ALLEN. 

I have many pleasant memories connected with the good old 
town of Salem, and especially with the North Church, and one of 
its ministers. It is now almost threescore years, fifty seven 
years, I think, for I believe it was in 1815 — that I was invited by 
my friend, John Emery Abbot, to supply his pulpit after he had 
received the call to this clmrch, and before his ordination. It was 
in March and the following April that I sojourned among this 
people, at the house of Ichabod Tucker, well known in that day, 
whose hospitality I enjoyed and whose memory is dear to me, as 
is that of his accomplished lady and the other inmates of his 
family. I well knew John E. Abbot. He was my contemporary, 
somewhat younger than myself ; but we pursued our theological 
studies at the same time and partially in the same place, he 
residing in Boston and pursuing his studies under the direction of 
Dr. Channing, but coming ov6r to Cambridge frequently, and 
enjoying with us the wise sayings and instructions of the ven- 
erable Dr. Ware and President Kirkland. It was not long after 
his ordination that I was called to the town of Northborough, to 
be the minister of the town, not of the church. I invited my friend, 
John E. Abbot, to come and give me the Right Hand of Fellow- 
ship, which he accordingly did, and it is published with the other 
services of that occasion. Soon after his ordination his health 
became infirm, and at last he was obliged to relinquish his labors, 
which he loved so truly and which he performed so faithfully and 
so acceptably, and was laid upon a sick bed. I visited him in his 
sickness and conversed with him, when he supposed, and we all 
did, that there was but a step between him and the grave. I 
preached for him one Sabbath while he lay sick, at his request. 
I visited him after the services, and had a very beautiful conver- 
sation with him. I remember especially the discourse, which was 
not then printed, but which was given to me in manuscript, on the 



82 



EXERCISES AT NORMAL HALL. 



recognition of friends in the future life, and I thought then, and 
have thought since, that he was one of those I should hope to 
meet in that better life, to renew the acquaintance and friendship, 
which was so soon broken by his early death. After his decease 
I formed the acquaintance of his successor, Dr. Brazer, and 
exchanged with him several times, during his ministry. I well 
remember, too, the old minister of the First Church, Dr. Prince ; 
with him also I exchanged pulpits. I do not remember his con- 
temporary, Dr. Barnard, though I presume I often saw him at 
Cambridge, where ministers formerly congregated on Commence- 
ment Days. I remember on one occasion, when I went into the 
pulpit, I saw before me an aged man, who had come into the place 
that he might the better listen to my discourse, the venerable 
Dr. Hotyoke. I came here again when he had reached the age of 
a hundred years, hoping to see what I never had seen, a man 
who had completed his century ; but I learned then that he was 
on a sick bed. He died a few days after, and one of my sons, 
who was born about the time of his decease, was named for him. 
You will see, therefore, that I have been acquainted with Salem 
for more than half a century. At one time I had in my family 
six of the seven sons of Stephen C. Phillips, who were members 
of my household, and pupils under my care. I want to say in 
closing that I am happy to be here, that I received the invitation 
to be present with a great deal of pleasure, and that although I 
was not here at the commencement of the exercises, yet I felt a 
deep interest in the discourse of Mr. Willson, whom I have known 
for many years. It has been to me a feast of good things, and 
I shall always bear in remembrance this pleasant occasion. 



THE PRESIDENT. 

I know I speak the voice of you all, when I say to Dr. Allen 
that the obligation is entirely on our side. We who live in Salem, 
and who entertain the faith of the fathers here, as we believe it, 



EXEKCISES AT NORMAL HALL. 



83 



have confidence in the law as well as in the gospel. We have 
the pleasure of having present with us on this occasion the presi- 
dent of the National Unitarian Conference, Hon. E. R. Hoar, of 
Concord, who, while he has assured me, that he desired to 
pronounce a benediction, may assure himself that we only ask his 
benediction, for whom he addresses must profit. 

ADDRESS or JUDGE HOAR. 

Mr. Chairman and My Friends : I have nothing to say to 
you except to join in the benediction to which your chairman has 
alluded. I am sorry to say I have not yet reached the christian 
maturity and venerable age when it can be said of me, as perhaps 
might have been said of our friend who last addressed you. Dr. 
Allen, " his presence itself is a benediction." I have nothing to 
say except to off'er my warm sympathy with the object of your 
meeting to-day, and to express to you the delight with which I 
have attended the services and listened to the discourse of Mr. 
Willson, which was charming to my ears throughout, though it 
rivalled the most able of his predecessor's attempts in its length, 
and perhaps would have shocked some of them by its wanting a 
text.* Why, my friends, we have of late been getting so national 
in our views in this country, we have had so much cause for it in 
one way or another that when I walked into that quiet and dark- 
ened church this morning and heard that story of New England 
life of a hundred years ago, I seemed to be breathing a new atmos- 
phere. The full fragrance and flavor of New England life seemed 
to come back to me. 

These church relations of our people, — the Established Church 
of Massachusetts — though as popular and absolutely democratic 
as any of our civil institutions, have given more to the character 
of New England than anything else we have had. I look some- 



*In the delivery, the text and iutroductory remarks were omitted. 



84 EXERCISES AT NOEMAL HALL. 

times with respect, sometimes with admiration, upon modern 
improvements. I am a friend of Sunday Schools, and I have no 
doubt but that they do good ; but there is no Sunday School 
instruction that ever produces the effect upon the heart and mind 
of the child, that ever trains up such men and women, that ever 
gives such character and strength to the community, as does that 
attending church from early childhood, Sunday after Sunday, with 
father and mother, in those old square pews, better perhaps than 
the modern ones, under the eye of father and mother, and there 
acquiring the habit and feeling of reverence before the under- 
standing can catch the import of the long sermon ; and the 
influence of these associations has been carried westward, and 
thus New England character and influence have been diff'used 
across this continent. 

Your church has attained undoubtedly a very respectable age, 
and one that it is becoming and well to celebrate, but I almost 
feel, as some thoughts come across my mind, as if I was a contem- 
porary with it. The minister under whom I grew up to manhood 
and who was my minister until after my marriage and I had got 
some way along in life, was settled over our parish only six years 
after your parish was founded ; and the only physician I ever had 
occasion to employ until I had got nearly old enough or wise 
enough to do without them altogether was a classmate of, and of 
about the same age as my minister. The parish of which I am an 
humble representative, is two hundred and thirty-seven j^ears old ; 
we look upon you, therefore, nearly as a man in advanced age 
looks upon a hearty youth, just celebrating the attainment of his 
majority. You have got through the season of trial and of 
experiment, and may now be fairly expected to go forward and 
make your mark in society, and be admitted to the full respon- 
sibilities of adult years. In this conspicuous position, in this 
good city of Salem, which has been always so famous for the 
quality of its people, I have no doubt that your light will shine 



EXERCISES AT NORMAL HALL. 



85 



like a city that is set on a hill, and that you will be as prosperous 
in the future as you have been in the past. I was gratified to 
hear of the condition of the society in one respect, and sympa- 
thized very strongly with you when I heard from your presiding 
oflScer that you had never got rid of a minister. I believe, too, 
that the strength and prosperity of a christian society is very 
much promoted by regarding the relation between minister and 
people as similar to that between husband and wife, as one not to 
be changed ; and I am happy to tell you, to encourage you in the 
good work on which you have entered, that the society to which 
I belong (during the two hundred and thirty-seven years of its 
history) , never jQt parted with a minister except to the service of 
his Master on high. But, my friends, this is a family gathering, 
and, except for the briefest expression of S3anpathy and gratifica- 
tion, certainly no one outside your own circle has any right to 
take up your time. 

THE PKESIDENT. 

New England has sent many influences West, many men of 
many minds, and many industries, but she has sent nothing, I 
think, of more value to the West than the Unitarian thought of 
New England. At any rate we know of nothing more valuable. 
We have here the pioneer of that service, one who, in the early 
days of Unitarianism, took up his abode in the western wilds, and 
has been a faithful servant there ever since. I am happy to 
introduce to you the Rev. William G. Eliot, D. D., of St. Louis. 

ADDEESS OF DR. ELIOT. 

You will pardon me, dear friends, if my response is very 
brief, for to tell you the truth, among these venerable antiquities 
I feel that I have no place, no standing at all. It is true that 
I am old enough for any purpose, and that I can remember more 
than half the term of years which the North Church has lived ; but 



86 



EXEECISES AT NOKIilAL HALL. 



in the ecclesiastical relation, as well as in the social, I have lived 
all my life, I may say, in the midst of youth. I have always been 
with a growing community, and the church with which I am con- 
nected — it grieves me to say that I am not called its pastor now, — 
has had thus far but one pastorate, and the thirty-seven years of 
my ministry is the church's life-time ; so that, far from having 
attained anything like a respectable old age, we are in early infancy 
yet. Whenever I come here to these old communities I feel lost, 
almost oppressed, by the steadiness, the staidishness, so to speak, 
of everything around me. Why, almost thirty-eight years ago, 
when I went to St. Louis, it was not half so big as Salem was then ; 
now it has 350,000 inhabitants. It is all youth, it is all efferves- 
cence, it is all change, though there is a good deal of strength and 
manliness coming into it every day. But when I ask myself where 
does it come from, I feel compelled with pride to look back to 
these old centres of thought, to these old centres of education, 
these grand old centres of patriotism, and to say, it is from these 
that we get our life blood, it is this which is making us strong. 
And when you hear of the wonderful strength of that western 
country, never forget that it is for you still to be sending an inspi- 
ration there, so that our mind shall keep pace with our body, so 
that our growth shall not be only of this world, but that it shall 
belong more and more to the world of ideas, to the world of pro- 
gressive thought ; so that, in short, we shall reconstruct in the 
West a better New England than New England itself has ever 
known. Thirty-seven years ago I came to Salem, and have only 
been here once since, and that was twenty-five years ago, and 
only for two or three hours. I came, as some of you remember, 
to ask help to build a church in St. Louis, which you generously 
granted ; and now, returning here after this long interval, I am 
glad of an opportunity of thanking you for the help you gave us 
in our time of need. With this expression of gratitude for the 
favor of so long ago, added to my thanks for a day of great enjoy- 
ment, I heartily wish you, God speed ! 



EXEKCISES AT NOKMAL HALL. 



87 



THE PEESIDENT. 

I have no doubt when Judge Hoar alluded to the antiquity of 
the society at Concord and the age of his pastor, Dr. Ripley, he 
thought he had got Salem in a spot where it would be difficult for 
her to get out. Now I wish to inform him that the First Church, 
the mother of the North Church, is two hundred and forty-three 
years old, and still lives, beating the church at Concord, I am happ}^ 
to say, by six years. We have, moreover, had a centenarian in our 
church, which T do not believe the church at Concord ever had ; 
and I am sure that under the modern modes of life, if it never 
had one, it never will. Let me introduce to you one of the for- 
mer pastors of the First Church in Salem, in Essex County, the 
first church in the centre of civilization we believe, the Rev. 
Thomas T. Stone, D. D. 

ADDEESS OF DE. STONE. 

I am much afraid I shall be obliged to content myself with an 
apology, if for no other reason, that I am fearful the few words I 
would like to say will not be heard by the audience. I will, how- 
ever, say a word which may possibly reach a few ears. I was 
thinking, as the possibility of being called upon occurred to me, 
that I should be obliged to confess that my chief affection must 
naturally be for the mother rather than the daughter. I have 
never ceased to feel a strong attachment to the First Church from 
the remembrance of its earlier history, from the experience which 
I had during my ministry there, and the friendships which were 
then formed, and from all the associations which have grown up 
with it. And this attachment to the First Church, notwithstand- 
ing it originated there, has extended through the whole city ; it 
will remain forever in my memory. At the same time I have 
some recollections of the North Church. Fifty-three years ago, 
in the fall of the year 1819, I entered upon my senior year at 



88 



EXEECISES AT NORMAL HALL. 



Bowdoin College, and had a friend who was brother to Mr. Soule, 
the present principal of Exeter Academy and at that time an 
assistant. 1 well remember one day when we were walking 
together, that he read to me a letter he had received from his 
brother at Exeter, giving an account of the death of John Emery 
Abbot. I may say also as a pleasant recollection of him, that 
some years before I entered college he had graduated there, and 
traditions of his pure and beautiful character were handed down 
to the time my college course commenced; so that really I have 
known him longer than most present. I remember particularly the 
impression left upon my mind in regard to what Mr. Soule 
reported as the last words he uttered, — words sanctified by the 
lips of him whose name it is our joy to bear — " Father, into thy 
hands I commend m}'^ spirit." 

There is no other one, of whom I have any special knowledge, 
who has been in the ministry of that church before the time that 
I became myself connected with the First Church in this place, 
Since then, one of my earliest remembrances is of one who has 
been referred to here to-day, a friend with whom I have been in 
sympathy and afi'ection during the whole period of my ministry, 
and whom I have retained in memory to this hour, Octavius B. 
Frothingham. 

Like those who have spoken before, I feel I have nothing to say 
beyond these imperfect reminiscences, for my boyhood was si3ent 
among the hills and valleys of Oxford County, Maine, and it is 
not for me to say anything at all about my later years. But these 
very reminiscences must of course assure you, as the}^ must 
remind myself, of the age to which I have reached, and of how 
short a time I have to pass here on earth. Not only was I born 
and educated in a place so remote from you, but I was born and 
trained in the midst of ecclesiastical associations and sympathies 
far from these with which I am now surrounded, so that you may 
consider me as one who has been imported into the ecclesiastical 



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circle in which I now stand ; and whilst I rejoice in whatever relates 
to truth, yet there is to me nothing so sacred as the grand asser- 
tion of spiritual freedom, of perfect, unqualified, unlimited liberty 
of thought ; and I trust you will pardon the words of an old man 
just closing his course, if he urges upon all who are united in the 
sympathies and the remembrances which gather around this day, 
the importance of cleaving with unyielding tenacity, to the very 
last, to the great idea of freedom ; never suffering it to be in the 
slightest degree impaired, weakened, diminished, even limited. 

THE PRESIDENT. 

The American Unitarian Association has done a great work in 
this country in the planting of churches in the new and remote 
sections, and in endeavoring to liberalize the thought of those 
young and vigorous communities. One of the most efficient agents 
of that association, the Rev. Charles H. Brigham, is present with 
us to-day, a scholar and a teacher from whom we shall all be glad 
to hear. 

ADDRESS OF THE REV. C. H. BRIGHAM. 

Well, ladies and gentleman, or brethren and sisters rather, I 
suppose that would be your best title, considering that this is a 
religious gathering, I shall have to say, as Judge Hoar has said, 
that I have nothing to say, because this seems to me a time of 
reminiscences only, where we should tell stories about the old 
church. Now I would like to tell you some old stories about Mr. 
Barnard's ordination, but unfortunately for you I was not there, 
or about the little matter at the North Bridge, but unfortunately 
again, I was not there to see it. My recollections of Mr. Barnard 
are mainly in the name of a young man from Salem who was in 
college and whose name was Thomas Barnard West, who was a 
very good youth, and who was in a class which had some diffi- 
culties and troubles. But I suppose his goodness came from the 
6 



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name lie bore. I can recollect Dr. Brazer a good many years ago. 
He used to exchange with Dr. Lowell, and old Dr. Lowell's 
people rather liked the change, for though he had a very different 
voice, and one to which they were not accustomed, yet he always 
preached good strong sermons, and made the children understand 
what he was talking about, and got a ver}^ strong hold upon the 
men and women of the church. That is the only reminiscence 
of the old ministers that I can give you. I can give you some 
valuable ones of those who have been connected with the church 
for twenty-five years past. Here is your pastor, with whom I am 
very well acquainted, and then when I was in Europe I travelled 
with Mr. Frothingham and with Mr. Lowe, two others of your 
ministers, and if there ever was a man who could calm down the 
quarrelling Arabs and make them behave themselves, that man 
was Mr. Lowe ; and if there ever was an agreeable companion in 
Switzerland, it was Mr. Frothingham, who used to let me ride up 
hill while he walked, and let me walk down while he rode, which 
suited me very much. 

I am continually reminded of Salem at the West, for just as far 
as your Salem is from Cambridge, jast so far from the Michigan 
University there is a Salem. The university excels Harvard in 
numbers, and about once a week I see a man who comes down 
from Salem to talk to the boys, and tell them about his money. 
He gives liberally, and about the only thing he really loves to 
talk about is what the town of Salem did during the war, when 
the draft was made, and they all subscribed so liberally that there 
was no draft at all, and he boasts of the money he gave himself. 
The students there ask me about Salem, and they have an idea 
that there were witches in Salem at one time. Salem witchcraft 
is the very first idea they get hold of, and I tell them that if they 
want to see the witchery, they must come down here and go out 
on Essex street some Sunday afternoon, when all the j^oung ladies 
are out, and then they will see the true witchery of the nineteenth 



EXERCISES AT NORMAL HALL. 



91 



century. Some of them, too, have an idea that there is a queer 
old house that everybody ought to go and see with its seven gables, 
and people say it is the old house of Hawthorne, and think of 
it sometimes as the place where a dreadful murder was once 
committed, but we will say nothing about that. 

My friends : I have nothing left to say except to thank you 
and my friend Mr. Willson for the privilege of being here. If you 
come to Michigan, and it is a pleasant day, I will drive you to 
Salem, where forty or fifty years ago there were plenty of Indians, 
and where even to-day the bears are not all gone, but where in 
hard winter they sometimes unfortunately find themselves in 
pits and traps set for them by the inhabitants. 

THE PRESIDENT. 

^ The relations between the Unitarians of the old country and 
the Unitarians of this country have always been very intimate. 
She has furnished us with good literature and also with good men ; 
and I congratulate you and myself that we have a gentleman here 
to-day who learned his first lessons in Unitarianism in England, 
who can tell us about the movement there, and who has furnished 
the literature of our denomination with a rich supply of refined 
thought and elevated sentiment. I present to you with great 
pleasure the Rev. Wm. Mountfoed. 

ADDRESS OF THE REV. WILLIAM MOUNTFORD. 

The Unitarians of England and those of America have a 
common ancestry, not merely as to blood, but politically and 
religiously. We are much more intimately connected than is 
commonly known. The founders of the first churches in Salem, 
Plymouth, Boston, Dorchester, Roxbury, were mostly of the same 
Puritan connection, and the same temper generally, as were the 
two thousand clergymen of the Established Church who, in the 
year 1662, forfeited their livings rather than violate their con- 



92 



EXERCISES AT NORMAL HALL. 



sciences, and disown the headship of Christ by submitting them- 
selves to the act of uniformity as to public worship, which had 
been made law over their heads by an unscrupulous parliament 
and a poor, faithless, almost perjured king. It is from these men 
and others of like mind, that the Unitarians of England derive 
theu' religious ancestry and, very commonly also, even their lineal 
descent. After thirty years of grievous persecution, the people 
who had been ejected from their churches were allowed to build 
chapels for themselves ; and it was their peculiarity, as distin- 
guishing them from all other dissenters, that they deliberately and 
strenuously repudiated the use of a creed, or any other bond in 
common than acceptance of the Bible. 

In so many of the earliest churches of this region, there has 
been a development of that spirit which was in John Robinson, 
at Delft-haven, when he said his last words to the future founders 
of Plj^mouth ; for he spoke of his persuasion, of God's having 
still much fresh truth to burst forth from his Holy Word. Many 
more persons than did would have followed after the early settlers 
of New England, but they were prevented by one cause and 
another, and some of them by the Government, and among the 
latter class, it is said, was Oliver Cromwell. As compared with 
what their friends in England had to undergo for manj^ long years, 
j^our forefathers had not such a very hard time, while taking pos- 
session of broad acres and getting their own way as to Church 
and State. 

It was from England that Dr. Bentley of this city got much of 
his sympathy as a Unitarian, and generall}^ it was from English 
writers that American divines got initiation into Unitarianism — 
writers, such as Hopton Haynes, the intimate friend of Sir Isaac 
Newton, and Duchal the preacher, with whose writings Dr. Chan- 
ning was well acquainted. Dr. Franklin presented a quantity of 
books to some little town in New England — Franklin I think — 
as a public library, and of the books a curiously large proportion 



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93 



were theological, and of those that were theological, a striking 
proportion were by English Unitarians. The father of William 
Hazlitt was the author of two volumes of good sermons ; he was 
a zealous Unitarian, and a great good man as to Church and State 
in England, by the way of opposition. For two or three years, 
while his son William, the celebrated essayist, was a little boy, he 
lived hereabouts ; was familiar with Kennebunk, and preached 
occasionally at King's Chapel in Boston. The first christian 
congregation in America, gathered together as Unitarian, was in 
Philadelphia, and it was in connection with the preaching there, 
of Dr. Priestley ; and of the earlier members of that congregation, 
several of the chief were English Unitarians. The Unitarian 
congregation at Washington had English people among its first 
members, and its first clergyman was an Englishman, who had 
been a Unitarian minister at Birmingham, in England. Dr. 
Priestley was also from Birmingham ; he was, ecclesiastically, a 
refugee ; as, in a way, was many another Unitarian, who migrated to 
this country between the years 1790 and 1820. Before Dr. Priestley 
came to this country he had been driven from Birmingham by a 
mob, and not without the connivance of the magistracy. His 
house, library and laboratory had been burned ; the houses also of 
some of his more immediate friends ; his chapel and two other 
places of Unitarian worship. After his expulsion from Bir- 
mingham he went to London, but there he got no peace, and it 
was in the bosom of Pennsylvania that he found rest at last and 
died. Since then, however, and recently, by the repentant public 
at Birmingham, and elsewhere in connection with science, monu- 
mental testimonials have been erected to his memory. Of the 
connection between England and the Unitarians of America, 1 
could readily adduce many more illustrations ; but from what I have 
said you can see, that though the Unitarians of England are, by 
time, but like distant cousins, yet that they and you, by origin, are 
of the same old household of faith. I will add one thing for its 



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EXERCISES AT NORMAL HALL. 



singularity. The grandfather of a schoolmate and friend of mine, 
Mr. Russell, was a fellow-sufferer with Dr. Priestley, and he under- 
took to accompany him to America ; subsequently, in quieter 
time, he went back to Birmingham ; but while he was in this 
countrj^ he would seem to have been much more at home, relig- 
iously, in New Haven than in any other city of New England. 

Perhaps in no country in the world has there been as much 
improvement, ecclesiastically, as there has been in England during 
the last fift}^ years ; though, to be sure, the commencement was 
from very low down, and from what was very bad indeed. I 
remember the time in England, and I was more than ten years 
old then, when no person could be a member of a municipal 
government, be a mayor or alderman, be an officer in the army or 
a justice of the peace, be a member of the Cabinet or an excise- 
man connected with the Customs, without his producing a certifi- 
cate, for which he had paid a fee to an Episcopal clergyman, 
showing that he had taken the sacrament in a church connected 
with the Establishment. At a later time even than that, it was 
not possible for Unitarians, nor even for Trinitarian dissenters, to 
be married, except at the Episcopal church and by an Episcopalian 
clergyman. Nor was there smj legal registr}^ as to the birth of 
children, except at the Episcopal church. I remember the time 
when horrible things happened in London, because of the fewness 
and smallness of the buiial grounds which there were for an 
enormous population, growing every year at a tremendous rate. 
The bishop of London, in the House of Lords, resisted a Bill for 
terminating the horrible, shocking use of some of the little church- 
yards in London, with a view to the employment of cemeteries in 
the suburbs ; and as to this opposition, he was resolute, except on 
condition that, wherever a person died, a sum should be due to the 
Episcopal clergyman, equivalent to a burial-fee, and on the paj- 
ment of which, the friends or executors should be free to carry the 
body awaj^ and bmy it as the}^ pleased. It is even now less than 



EXERCISES AT NOEMAL HALL. 



95 



thirty years since an assault was made, involving the tenure of 
almost every Unitarian church in England and Ireland. But it 
was stopped by the Prime Minister of the time, Sir Robert Peel ; 
who introduced a bill into Parliament, by which Unitarians were 
emancipated from the disqualifying effects of an old persecuting 
law, by which, formerly, every person, for impugning the doctrine 
of the trinity, was liable to fine and imprisonment, and for doing 
it a third time was liable to the confiscation of all his property 
and to be imprisoned for life. Sir Robert carried his Bill through 
Parliament triumphantly and amidst the acclamations of the 
leaders of all parties, and yet also against an opposition, more 
numerous as petitioners, than was ever made against any Bill or 
any law. When I was a youth, I was offered an education at 
Oxford, one of the great national universities. But my way was 
barred by the Episcopal church — the church Established by Law as 
the phrase used to be. At that time, a young man might have had 
a birthright title to a scholarship and been the best candidate of 
the year, as regards literary and moral qualifications ; but he could 
not be matriculated, without signing the Thirty-nine Articles. A 
man could not even begin the study of theology, at the univer- 
sity, without having first avowed and signed his belief in those 
Thirty-nine Articles. Of abuses and oppressions, such as I 
have been referring to, the larger part, though far from all — but 
the larger part — are now abolished. Now is not that a great 
advance as to church-matters? Well, it is really, that is to say 
for England. 

Those Thirty-nine Articles ! What multitudes of hypocrites they 
have made in England ! What souls in vast armies, they have 
straitened and tortured in conscience ! Oh, that some man of wide 
personal knowledge, somebody like Dean Stanley, would write on 
the subject his reminiscences and experiences, before it is too late ! 
What flippancies he would have to tell of, and what agonies ! It is 
said that Theodore Hook, being asked at Oxford by the vice-chan- 



96 



EXERCISES AT NORMAL HALL. 



cellor whether he was prepared to sign the Thirty-nine Articles, 
replied " Oh yes ! Forty, if you wish." 

"We are getting now to understand that there is no knowing well 
what a man is theologically, by simply what he can sign or say. 
It may very well happen sometimes that the more a man knows, 
the less there will be by which he would willingly swear to abide. 
And again, the same truth, in one man's mind, may be no better 
than a prejudice, while in the mind of another person, it may be 
like a quickening soul. We are getting to understand that signing 
and assenting, and that even without meaning any harm, is a very 
different thing from believing ; and it is what many a man has been 
a party to, who had no more soul of belief than the pen he wrote 
with, whether goose-quill or steel. Any man can sign, in a way, the 
Articles of the Church of England, for instance ; but understanding 
them, as the framers meant exactly, is not quite so easy ; and 
believing in those articles by a right discernment of the logic 
which they involve, and by the best helps reasonably accessible 
from learning human and divine, — to that, probably, in all Eng- 
land there are not five hundred persons competent, and on the 
Episcopal bench, not eight, as it would seem. 

People talk so strangely about faith and believing ! What would 
be the gain as to science, or the world's progress, if every boy 
on going to school should be made to subscribe his belief in 
the elements of geometry as developed by Euclid ! Faith, every 
earnest soul is competent to — on the most important points, relig- 
iously ; but faith as to conclusions drawn from metaphj^sics, 
faith as to such things in any proper sense of the word, is 
what few people can profess without making themselves ridic- 
ulous. Of the merely conjectural, or of the unknowable, however 
plausibly expressed as to seemingness, what is got b}^ exacting 
or giving a profession of belief? Offuscation moral and mental 
— that is all. 

It is not what creeds and history a man can swallow that is 



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97 



good ; but what he can inwardly digest and have his soul quickened 
with. To profess an article of faith is what, apparently, in a light 
way, most people are able ; but thoroughly to understand it is 
something not quite so common ; and inwardly to digest it, so as 
to live by it — think, hope and pray — that may be something still 
more rare. Horne Tooke would have us think, that believing a 
doctrine is our having such a sense of it intellectually and morally 
as that it can be be-lived by us. It is the believing temper, or 
rather it is the temper which grows on a man with believing ; this, 
that is so rarely looked to, is the ultimate true test as to creeds, 
professions, pretensions, inquiry and conviction. Not will merely, 
nor recklessness, nor arrogance, nor loud voice in statement, helps 
a hearer as to belief, but soul only, — the soul, that is alive with the 
wisdom of the past, and sensitive as to the future — the soul, as 
it quickens with the Divine Spirit, and throbs, too, with its fleshly 
connections. 

No doubt, the constitution of free churches has its exposures 
and liabilities, like everything else that is human ; but they are 
no more than what are capable of being readily treated among 
people of any honor, not to say even of christian grace. But I 
have been asked, what security has a free church against the inani- 
ties and vagaries of some conceivable clergyman. There is the 
Bible ! And twenty creeds could not make it more binding, or 
plainer. And besides, after all, why should ineptitudes, and igno- 
rance, and crass ignorance be accounted a greater scandal to Liber- 
alism than it is to Orthodoxy, or than when it is preached in white 
sleeves ? As to preaching, there are no better guarantees than 
common sense and good faith, and truthfulness even simply as 
to the text, "We preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord : 
and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake." 

But now, yet another word still as to church freedom : and for 
comfort I prefer to argue it as though on foreign ground. At the 
present time, in the Church of England, the ablest man theologi- 



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EXERCISES AT NORMAL HALL. 



cally, next perhaps after Dean Stanley, is Professor Jowett, now 
known perhaps by some higher title. His work on the " Epistles 
of Paul " is a fine, scholarly production. As to interpretation, 
it is old Unitarianism, mostly ; but it has a grace of its own. Cer- 
tain special passages in his work having been complained of, he 
was summoned by the vice-chancellor of Oxford to renew his 
subscription to the Thirty-nine Articles, which he did at once. 
Two days afterward, in the London newspaper called the "Times," 
were published, in parallel columns, the passages in his two 
volumes which had been complained of, and also such extracts 
from the Thirty-nine Articles as the}^ were supposed to conflict 
with. And plainly the two columns were in flat contradiction. 
The complaining Dr. Golightly, with his companion, added some- 
thing like this: "What is a safeguard worth as to the Church, 
when a man will publish in two serious volumes, what he will 
practically repudiate within a fortnight, and yet still continue to 
go on publishing and selling ? " True enough ! Quis custodiet 
custodes ? The old trouble ! But yet Dr. Jowett might say, 
" Always are we to be ruled by fools ? Am I, because of my know- 
ing more than some other people, and being wiser than the old 
creed-makers of the dark ages, to forego place, honor and advan- 
tage, and turn dissenter, and get down into the dirt?" There is 
something in that ; and let it go for what it is worth. But how 
about the persons who have stayed outside the university of 
Oxford, with all its wealth and high places, because they were 
unwilling to enter it dishonestly? It is a curious sign of the 
times that Dr. Jowett should be able to be the Head of a college 
in Oxford, and be ready to sign the Thirty -nine Articles any day, 
and yet publish the works he does, and get the kind of praise 
he gains. He is to be pardoned, perhaps, because of extenuating 
circumstances, but still more certainly he is to be pitied. The 
sadness of such a case, and there have been hundreds and perhaps 
thousands very like it — I say, the sadness of such instances is 



EXEECISES AT NORMAL HALL. 



99 



evidence as to the wisdom which waited on the foundation and 
development of the North Church. in Salem. 

Oh the wisdom more than worldly, as to which the founders of 
your church had some sense ! For in an ordinary way how could 
they have anticipated, what yet they were providing against, as to 
friendly meeting — this flood of knowledge which has been pouring 
in upon us, since Newton was wondered at, and ceased from this 
world ? What could they have known of the way in which this 
earth was about to unbosom herself as to her secret history, as 
concerning time and make ? How could they have foreseen such 
facts as the discovery of that ancient and, to a certain degree, 
authoritative manuscript, connected with the Scriptures, called 
Sinaitic? What could they hav^e foreknown of the speculative 
effects of having the universe, through science, widen round us so 
familiarly, as that we mortals on our earth can feel ourselves but 
like the occupants of some one out of — what the Psalmist may 
have meant when he said " The chariots of God are twenty thou- 
sand? " How could they haA^e foreseen, what yet is so absolutely 
certain, that even theology itself would have to be born again ; 
born not of the will of man nor of creed-makers, but of the Spirit 
— in Christ Jesus, a new creature? All honor to the men who 
were ahead of their age, and whose faces were set aright as to 
the coming dawn ! 

The coral insects begin building from the floor of the ocean ; 
they shape for themselves little cells that become their tombs ; 
and with building cell upon cell, and tomb upon tomb, slowly the 
surface of the sea is reached. And prompted b}^ an instinct 
greater than what might suffice for their little lives, these insects 
build up islands and rampart them about, against seas wild 
with the whirlwind ; islands where man can land and live, and 
which the orange can perfume with its scent, and brighten with its 
golden fruit. And a hundred and two hundred years ago the 
founders of churches, free as to what arc called creeds, acted from 



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EXEECISES AT NORMAL HALL. 



a perception of right, and yet also more wisel}^ than they knew, 
as to the future. For what could they possibly have anticipated 
as to what was to be after them, with the widening disclosures of 
science and history and archseology and also experience ? ' ' The 
Bible," they said among themselves, " the Bible is our creed, open 
always for study by all the light that time may let in upon it, or 
the heavens vouchsafe." Wise master-builders, they ! And now 
Protestant churches, bound by the creeds of preceding centuries, 
can live only by ignoring their fetters, or else by a debasing tam- 
pering as to the meaning of words and phrases ! All honor again 
to the good men who forestalled all that, as to peril ! 

And now as the successors of these honorable men, what is due 
from us ? Distinctively, honesty and simplicity as to profession, 
and reverence and carefulness as to the study of the Scriptures ; 
and could I say, also, leadership in the church as to thinking? 
But that last thing is of the gift and call of God, and not of 
mere fleshly willing. And yet if we were as good, as to time and 
circumstance, as our forefathers were, it is from among us that 
teachers should rise, who might be competent to the philosophy of 
the Scriptures as to revelation, and who might interpret concur- 
rently the marvel of Christ's resurrection and the marvellousness 
which does so clothe the lily of the field, and which lies latent 
through the winter in every acorn about to become an oak, and in 
every grain of mustard-seed which in Palestine is to become a 
tree, whereon the birds can alight and sing. And if our school of 
thought were as well open to light as it ought to be, apparently it 
might be in connection with us that the earliest teachers would be 
heard as to that rainbow of promise which the sun of science makes 
in even the fogs which accrue from earthly change and decay. 

And now I will say, by way of a moral, that because of pride in 
ancestry we are liable to spiritual apathy, and perhaps at the last 
to find ourselves glorying in mere negations. There have been 
times when denial, ecclesiastically, was almost as grand as the 



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101 



prophet's "Thus saith the Lord." But those times are past, and 
to-day boys of sixteen are very often ready to deny and dispute 
anything religiously, and a community like yours, as to education, 
has all the notions of Strauss and Buchner in the air, as it were, 
and latent in the minds of the children. Free-thinking is nothing 
now as a peculiarity, except as it explores the way to the temple 
of truth, and now and then ushers a high-priest of thought into 
the holy of holies, and prepares us all for the 'lively oracles' of 
a living God. The liberty which does not ennoble us and quicken 
us as religious thinkers, we are unworthy of. For thinking, in a 
church, can be straitened and enslaved not only by old, complicate, 
intricate creeds, but also by prejudices unconsciously entertained, 
or by inherited predispositions of feeling or by the subtle man- 
agement of perhaps two or three persons more bigoted than 
scrupulous. 

What the better are you for being Unitarians, unless there abide 
in you that spirit of truth which is guidance, and prompting and 
willingness as to all truth ? 

In England, on such an occasion as this, there is a Sentiment 
which is never forgotten — Civil and Religious Liberty, all the world 
over ! and in olden times, when George the Third was king, it 
was, no doubt, familiar to your forefathers as a post-prandial toast. 
" Blessed is tha nation whose God is the Lord," says the Psalmist, 
and happy are the people who are strong in the same great truths 
which their fathers lived by ! Happy the persons all, w^ho can 
triumph in the same great cause, which their forefathers loved and 
struggled for ! 

Oh ! those words that come to mind so forcibly to-day : "Your 
fathers, where are they? and the propliets, do they live forever?" 
Yes, they do, all of them forever and ever, withinside of the spirit- 
ual and invisible ; and in those spheres of being which collectively 
we call heaven ; and from within which, it is possible that they 
may be cognizant of us, at this very moment — like as it is writ- 



102 



EXERCISES AT NOEMAL HALL. 



ten as to some of the incidents of revelation "Which things the 
angels desire to look into." Alive forever ! Yes, they are, and 
even in this world, in a way, they survive themselves, in the true 
principles which they elaborated, in the institutions which they 
founded, and in the continuation of the churches, forth into which 
went their earnestness. " Other men labored, and ye are entered 
Into their labors," or yon ought to be. They who strive for the 
right, and who live faithfuU}^ b}^ what light the}^ have, follow after 
the great army of mart^Ts and confessors, to find, on passing the 
gatewaj^ of death, that they have been sharing in a struggle with 
sin and darkness, greater perhaps and more wonderful than they 
had ever thought. 

There is plan and purpose in the world's ongoing, as much as 
there ever was in the shaping of our earth. For every sowing in 
tears, there is always somewhere, at sometime, a harvest of joy. No 
man lives all to himself; and no man dies merel}^ to himself. 
Striving, hoping and believing — that is the temper, as to which 
thi'ough nature and through Christ, God would be shaping us. 
Clouds and darkness are round about him : but justice and judgment 
are the foundations of his throne. Oh, there is no knowing at what 
rate swings the slow pendulum which regulates the course of human 
progress, nor what the circumference is of that face, round which 
creeps the finger which indicates the hours of reform and advance. 
Nor can a guess be hazarded as to that millennial hour, when 
again the morning stars will sing together, and when the angels of 
heaven will cry "The war of man with man, and of creed with 
creed — earth's warfare is accomplished: and the kingdoms of 
that world have become the kingdom of our Lord and his Christ." 
But with every sunrise it is nearer earth — that blessed time ! and 
with every pulse that throbs our veins, it is nearer to us — that 
coming time ! And oh, it is so surely nearer to us, with every good 
life that is finished, and with every good and perfect thought that 
comes down from above, into a good man's mind ! 



» 



EXERCISES AT NORMAL HALL. 103 

THE PRESIDENT. 

I am happy to say there is in our family a robust sister. The 
First Church did not send forth the North Church alone, but 
she also established a branch in the town of Marblehead. I have 
the pleasure of introducing to you the Rev. John W. Chadwick, 
of Brooklyn, N. Y., who will respond for that branch. 

ADDEESS OF THE REV. JOHN W. CHADWICK. 

Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen : Once upon a time 
Parson Brazer, of the North Church in Salem, and Parson Bart- 
lett, of the Unitarian Church in Marblehead, had arranged for an 
exchange of pulpits and when the Sunday morning came and the 
time for the services had arrived. Dr. Brazer, I think, got to his 
post in good season, and the Marblehead people were duly edified 
by his preaching. But the people of the North Church in Salem 
came to church and the time came for the services to begin, but no 
minister appeared. After waiting about fifteen or twenty minutes 
beyond the usual time, and wondering very much what had hap- 
pened, Parson Bartlett, who was always a person of rubicund and 
florid appearance, arrived, looking somewhat more florid than was 
his wont. No explanation was given but the parson went on with 
his services with as much composure as he could command. It 
was afterward discovered that he had undertaken to walk from 
Marblehead to Salem (and at that time I may say the Sunday 
omnibus was not regarded as a means of grace) and, to save as 
much time as he could, he walked " across-lots." Mr. Hale has a 
sermon he is fond of preaching about the way of the transgressor 
being hard, the transgressor being the man who goes "across-lots." 
On this occasion the way of Parson Bartlett was particularly hard, 
for he was chased by a bull. It so happened, however, that he 
was in the close vicinity of a stone wall, and he climbed over ; the 
bull came on with such tremendous velocity that as he went over 



104 



EXEECISES AT NORMAL HALL. 



the wall, he went over the parson too, and did not discover for 
some time that the parson was not ahead of him. By that time 
the parson had got back over the wall, and over the bull went 
again. And so it went on for some twenty minutes, the "artful 
dodger" being now on one side of the wall and now the other 
side, the contest growing continually more lively and exciting, 
until the owner of the bull, by some happy conjunction of affairs, 
happened to discover what was going on, and sent some one to 
call off the bull, and the parson proceeded on his way rejoicing. 
The moral of which is, that under the circumstances I think I 
should be justified in "dodging," for two reasons, one of which is 
that this is the first warning I have had that I was to speak at all. 
Mr. Willson said something about coming prepared to sing, and I 
have sung with the rest. Another reason is that these speeches 
have gone on so long and so pleasantly that we have come to that 
time when it is always proper to say that "so much has been said 
and so well said that I will not occupy your time." I was glad to 
have the President date me from Marblehead, for I was somewhat 
in doubt when I found he was aiming at me whether I was here as 
a representative of Marblehead or as a representative of Brooklyn, 
and certainly it is as a representative of Marblehead I am here in 
my thought, because as I sat in the church and heard the pleasant 
words of the speaker, singing that pleasant song of departed days, 
my thoughts were thoughts of Marblehead and not of Brooklyn. 
My heart almost condemns me for having allowed Parson Bartlett 
to appear before you in a ridiculous aspect at a time when almost 
everybody was afraid of the minister. I am sure I never was 
afraid of him, for it was always a very pleasant time when he came 
into the house, except when I was sick and he would order me 
some medicine, for you must remember, he was a physician of 
bodies as well as of souls. The town people generally used to 
think his medicine was orthodox, whatever they thought of his 
creed ; perhaps, because they got the medicine for nothing. My 



EXERCISES AT NORMAL HALL. 



105 



thoughts were of him and all his kindly pleasantries, and of one 
other who only a year or two ago passed beyond this life, and with 
whom year after year I entered into "close communion." So that 
as I heard your preacher talk of Parson Barnard and Mr. Abbot, 
of Mr. Brazer and Dr. Prince, the names did not seem at all 
unfamiliar to me because I had heard my good grandmother talk 
of them so often that I felt I really knew them. There was one 
sermon, too, that she was very fond of reading to me, by Dr. 
Prince, with the beautiful text, as she thought, ''In the day that I 
make up my jewels." Through her, therefore, I entered into 
communion with these people. As I listened to Mr. Willson's 
address, I wondered with what eyes they would regard us from 
their heavenly seats, we who are working in their places, but by 
such different methods and such different ways, and thinking this 
over I was glad when the key of explanation came from Mr. 
Willson's own lips ; when he told us that the corner-stone of their 
preaching and of their hold upon the people was the liberty, the 
humanity, the holiness and love the}^ taught. So I felt we were 
with them. We are doing our best in our way, and we are with 
them in the most essential way of all. Being in this Normal 
School building reminds me of that motto of Dr. Pierce of Lex- 
ington, "Live to the truth," and I am sure if we of this day and 
generation are true to our light, to such light as is given us, 
working on as faithfully and steadfastly as we can, doing our work 
in our own way, there is nothing existing in this world or in any 
other that can separate us from the love of Christ that was in those 
men and women of the elder days, who constitute with us one 
family in earth and in heaven. 



THE PRESIDENT. 

The relations that existed between the distinguished men of the 
time when the Rev. John Pierpont sang his great song in Bos- 
ton, and when the liberty-loving people of Salem listened with 
7 



106 



EXERCISES AT XORAIAL HALL. 



SO much gladness, have continued to this day. I am haj)py to 
introduce to you the Rev. Geoege L. Chaxet, minister of the 
HoUis Street Church, Boston, a society that was old before this 
chui'ch was born. Mr. Chancy came from Salem. 

ADDRESS OF EEV. GEORGE L. CHAXEY. 

Mr. Peesidext : There are three blessings for which I desire to 
give thanks. First, that I was born in Salem ; second, that I 
went away from Salem ; and thu-d, that I have returned to it 
to-day. 

You remember the old tribute which the wandering sons of 
Salem were wont to pay to theii' native to^n : — that it was a good 
j)lace to have come from. But as often as we come back to the 
old city her motherly love makes us feel that it is an equally good 
place to return to. That we never know our blessings till they 
take their flight is nowhere better shown than in the experience of 
a Salem exile from home. 

Just as people who have most to boast of fall into self-dispar- 
agement, so it has long been a practice, among the rising genera- 
tions at least, to laugh at the slow gait and drowsy habits of the 
good old mother city that bore them. But a veiy short acquaint- 
ance with other towns and life in other counti'ies opens our eyes 
wonderfully to the advantages we had at home. How should we 
know until we had tried other places that every city did not have 
a grand parade gi'ound in its centre, with a green-coated company 
of valiant elm trees keeping perpetual guard around it ? Or how 
were we to learn that the old museum was a Salem specialty? 
That only here could a man be at home in all the world without 
leaving his native city? We should have regarded it as local 
prejudice if any one had claimed for Salem the possession of a 
peculiar institution in the Essex Institute or the Atheniieum. 
These nurseries of science and letters were so much a matter of 
course in our youthful life, that any Salem boy taken to Timbuctoo 



EXERCISES AT NORMAL HALL. 



107 



or Terra del Fuego would have inDOcently asked the way to the 
Institute or Library, not conceiving of a land in which these things 
were wanting. 

Then there were the ships, the merchants, the barques and brigs 
of every clime, the stately Custom House, making a long arm of 
Derby Wharf to catch and treasure all the products of the world ; 
the magnificent poor-house, as the old conundrum had it, "just 
like your head — because it was on the Neck"; the real home 
houses of the citizens, each with its yard and garden, where better 
things than the perishing flowers that grew there were planted in 
the young folks who made those flowers their care ; and, last of 
many graces, there was the beautiful resting place of the dead, 
one of the earliest signs of the high level to which christian 
civilization was advancing in the new world. 

It is not surprising that a city thus open to communication with 
foreign countries and thus supplied with the apparatus for receiv- 
ing, preserving and transmitting knowledge from generation to 
generation should have nurtured thoughtful people. It is not 
surprising that she should have come early to broader views of 
religious truth and more comprehensive schemes of christian 
activity than were common in other cities. I take equal pride in 
the thought that here were consecrated the first missionaries, and 
here were some of the earliest defenders of a gospel too humane 
to omit one of God's creatures from his saving purpose and 
declared power in Jesus Christ, his Son. 

It is impossible for a man who comes in contact with humanity 
in many nations, and finds it the same under all its disguises of 
color, language and dress, to accept any plan of salvation, which 
cannot survey beyond his native city. Every seaboard town in 
active communication with the Indies, or tlie Mediterranean, is 
always exposed to liberal infection. No quarantine can keep out 
the heresy that man is man, and although in ignorance, sin or 
shame, still an object of providential love and care. Thus it 



108 



EXEKCISES AT NORMAL HALL. 



happened of necessity that chui'ches of humanit}- were formed and 
maintained in this cosmopolitan city. One snch church has called 
us together to celebrate its one-hundredth birthday. We have 
listened to its record of service, its story of long-tried fidelity to 
truth and God's humanity under the guiding inspiration of the 
christian gospel. In every street of this city, homes have been 
visited and hallowed by its sacred ministries. In sickness and in 
health, in sorrow and in joy, this church has been the faithful 
l^artuer of the homes united to it. Commerce and trade have felt 
its call to honorable dealing. The courts of justice have been 
more just for its maintenance of the just cause. Corrupt politics 
have felt the lash of its indignant rebuke, and ancient wrongs 
have sought in the grave a refuge from its strong attack. Proud 
as we are of the literarj' renown and commercial enterprise that 
have distinguished our native city, have we not, in the memories 
that throng the church and that pursue us wherever we assemble 
on this day, deeper cause for devout pride and thanksgiving ? For 
what were stores of knowledge or stars of genius or fii'es of enter- 
prise in us or in any people, unless governed by religious prin- 
ciples ? T\"hat, indeed, but the material for ruin to their possessor 
and his unfortunate companions ! Religion gives to every other 
gift or accomplishment its safe direction. And as the rocket 
sprinkles the sky with a rain of innocent splendor, or carries fire 
and destruction over the earth, according to its pointing, so human 
talents depend upon the divine hand of religion to uphold and 
direct them. 

But, Mr. President, I have another claim upon your indulgence 
than that of m}^ nativity or my calling, both of which, as you see, 
I am not slow to magnify-. I cannot forget that I am the minister 
of a church which had attained a vigorous majority when your 
church was in its cradle. You must have heard of its old-time 
minister, the Rev. Mather Byles, the ministerial wag and tory of 
his day. I take no stock either in his wit or his treason, for both 



EXERCISES AT NORMAL HALL. 



109 



of which he got his due in being expelled from his church. But I 
recall a story of him which may do service in illustrating my final 
word of congratulation. Dr. Byles was so open a tory that he 
was constantly watched by a guard, who used to walk up and 
down in front of his house to see that no mischief went in or out. 
The doctor playfully called the guard his observe-a-tory. One 
day being in want of something at a neighboring store (sermon- 
paper, perhaps). Dr. Bjdes persuaded his guard to do the errand 
for him, agreeing to take his place during his absence. So the 
doctor was seen walking up and down in front of his house, with 
gun a'shoulder, keeping watch over himself. 

I used to fear, Mr. President, that such would be the end of the 
liberal church ; every minister and every church and every man 
with gun a' shoulder, keeping watch over himself — the last result 
of individual isolation. In such a gathering as this, how vain the 
fear ! In this commemoration of a hundred years of work well 
done, we give a pledge of sj^mpathy in the work of the future. 
A hundred years to come, may the churches that stand for freedom 
in the choice of the christian religion and consecration in its prac- 
tice make one brotherhood, and on this day, 1972, may they meet 
to repeat this festival with greater fulness and even grander cheer 
than have been ours to-day ! 

The President then read the following letter from The Salem 
Universalist Society, as showing the sympathy which persons of 
different denominations feel towards each other, and especially as 
evincing the friendship of this sister church, of another and yet a 
kindred faith ; that church being represented on this occasion by 
its pastor. Rev. E. C. Bolles. 



110 



EXEECISES AT NOEMAL HALL. 



SAiEii. June 15, 1872. 

Fhancis H. Lee, Esq., 

My Dear Sir : — In parish meeting, held Jane 10, 1872, it was 
Voted^ that the accompanying letter of coDgratnlation be 
adoi)ted, and that a copy be sent b}' the clerk of the First Univer- 
salist society, to the secretaiy of the committee of the North 
Church and society, for their centennial celebration. 

Very truly yom's, T. H. Barnes, Clerk. 

"to the XORTH CHrP.CH AXD SOCIETT. SAEEM. 

Dear Brethren: — We have learned through your iuTitation 
to our pastoi' that you are to observe on the 19th of July next, 
the centennial anniversary of the founding of your society and 
church. We would not lose this early opportnnit}' of conveying 
to you our congi'atulations. We rejoice that you have thus com- 
pleted a century of chm'ch life, and thi'ough fathers and sons have 
so long and so well uj)held the interests of liberal religion in this 
communit3\ 

It is a matter of even greater pleasure to us that the hundredth 
anniversary finds you ready and in earnest to add another chapter 
to the story of the devotion of the past. 

We would join y^ou, therefore, in the joleasant thoughts of this 
memorial day, and beg you to remember that we are with you not 
only by the bond of neighborhood but by that of fraternity as 
well." 

THE PRESIDEOT. 

I regret that the eloquent pastor of this chm'ch extending a 
kindl}" hand to us has been called awaj". I should have m-ged him 
to remain had I known he was about to leave. I know of no 
better service I can perfonn than to ask another son of Salem to 
respond for the Universalist Church. I ask the Eev. Mr. White 
of Keene, N. H. 



EXERCISES AT NORMAL HALL. 



Ill 



ADDKESS OF THE REV. WILLIAM ORNE WHITE. 

Yoii will pardon me, sir, for thinking that here is an excellent 
opportunity for me to act upon what Eev. Mr. Chanej^ has just 
told us about "Mather Byles." For, at this late hour, what 
better can I do, than in emulation of that ancient worthy, to 
"mount guard over m3^self?" 

Having had no premonition of the sentiment to which I am 
expected to respond, I am, nevertheless, very thankful for the 
privilege of saying, that in my own immediate neighborhood, we 
Unitarians and Universalists have very pleasant fellowship, one 
with another. Upon the shelves of our Universalist brethren, 
you can often find the volumes of Channing and Ware and other 
leading Unitarians, side by side with those among their own 
writers who are closely allied to us in liberal thought, and in great 
and beneficent work. Let us all unite in cordially wishing our 
Universalist friends increasing success in the new century of effort 
upon which they have recently entered. 

It is tantalizing to think, sometimes, how near you come to 
escaping your fate. T was just thinking, as you called upon me, 
sir, that two minutes more from each of these excellent gentlemen 
who have spoken, and it would have been out of the question for 
3^ou to have called upon me at all, without drawing undul}^ upon 
the next century. 

Do we not find, in the absence of some of our friends, in this 
intense midsummer's heat, a sad warning against our being so 
prone to act upon the familiar saying, "It will be all the same 
a hundred years hence?" What could have set this people out to 
form their church on the nineteenth of July? As we miss familiar 
sons of Salem who are in their "tent on the beach," or climbing 
the mountains, we can call back, across the cliffs of the century, 
to Thomas Barnard and his friends, " It was not all the same a 
hundred years hence ! " Even so small a matter as fixing the day 



112 



EXERCISES AT NORMAL HALL. 



of your being "set off" as a church made a difference, a hundred 
years afterwards, in our celebration. 

I feel a little like a child, as well as a guest, of the North 
Church to-day. For although a son of the old "First Church," 
with which my maternal ancestors were identified, I can recall 
with much pleasure my brief connection with the North Church 
Sunday School, just before such a school was established in the 
parent church. How much grace and dignity Hon. Leverett 
Saltonstall lent to it as its revered superintendent ! My own 
teacher was that excellent man, the late E. K. Lakeman, whose 
genial presence and kind words it is alwaj^s a pleasure to recall. 

M}^ earliest remembrance of anything is the marriage of a 
beloved relative, at which Rev. Dr. Brazer officiated, when I was 
between three and four jesivs old. How gracious was his way of 
greeting his young friends upon the street ! How vividly can 
we recall those plaintive cadences which gave such effect to his 
reading of the one verse of the hymn ! Again and again, upon 
his exchanges with om- own minister, I remember the fearful 
solemnity which marked his reading of the words : 

"And now, my soul, another year 
Of my short life is past; 
I cannot long continue here ; 
And this may be my last." 

Of Rev. John E. Abbot, the most distinct impression I have 
received was from the faithful friend who accompanied him in his 
unavailing journey to Havana, and who said of him, referring to 
his period of comparative health, "wherever he was, whatever 
he said, even though he were chatting cheerfully with 5^ou at ' a 
party,' he ahmys seemed to be in heaven." 

It so happens that Keene, which has been my home for more 
than twenty years past, is the town to which Rev. Asa Dunbar 
retired, after seeming to stand as a stone wall between the elder 
Thomas Barnard and his son. How brief was his term of service 



EXERCISES AT NORMAL HALL. 



113 



in the First Church ! His declining health soon threw him into 
the profession of the law, which he honorably pursued for a few 
years in Keene, and then died, at the age of forty-two. Had he, 
or his past friends in Salem, foreseen the brief and chequered 
years that remained to him, and the long and brave career of the 
young Barnard, may we not feel that the disruption which was 
occasioned by the rivalry of these men and their friends might 
have been prevented ? 

But in that case where should we have been to-day, and where 
my opportunity of thanking your committee for their kind invita- 
tion, and yourself, sir, for the privilege of expressing the pleasure 
which I feel in being here ? 

The following hymn was then read by the Rev. George Batch- 
ELOR, of the Barton Square Church, and sung by the company : 

Great God, we sing that mighty hand 

By which, supported, still we stand ; 
The opening year Thy mercy shows ; 

That mercy crowns it till it close. 

With grateful hearts the past we own ; 

The future, all to us unknown, 
We to Thy guardian care commit, 
And, peaceful, leave before Thy feet. 

In scenes exalted or depressed, 

Thou art our joj^ and Thou our rest ; 
Thy goodness all our hopes shall raise 

Adored through all our changing days. 



114 



EXERCISES AT NOEMAL HALL. 



CONGRATULATORY LETTERS. 

The President said he had two or three pleasant letters, indic- 
ative of the kind feelings which old friends had after they had 
left the city. He then read the following : — 

York, England, June 21, 1872. 
My JJear Mr. Willson : — Your letter reached me just as I was 
leaving London for a short tour northward, and I take my first 
leisure to thank you for the invitation to join in the approaching 
centenar}^ of the "North Society." Most gladl}^ wmild I, if I 
could, leap the space that separates Old England from the New, 
to be one of the gathering that will meet to renew old ties and 
to refresh themselves with the memories that hang about our loved 
church. 

I have visited during the week one of the colleges in Oxford 
that had just celebrated, two days before, its ten liundretli anni- 
versary. It was good to think that, amid all the changes and 
revolutions of those thousand years, so valuable an institution 
had preserved an unbroken life, and had twined about itself rich 
associations with every portion of so long and varied a history ; 
and I was glad to be reminded by your letter in my pocket that, 
in our country too, there are some among the best institutions we 
possess which, if they cannot claim so great antiquity as that, are 
relatively to the period of our national life almost as old. 

Let us make much of their anniversaries when they come round, 
and may they be dearer and stronger the older they grow. 

My own connection with the society covered only two out of its ' 
one hundred years ; but when I recall the rich experiences and the 
consecrated friendships that are to me inseparably associated with 
the church, I realize the more how much that is precious must have 
accumulated about it to the multitude of souls it has welcomed 
and nourished during all the hundred years. How much I should 



EXERCISES AT NORMAL HALL. 



115 



like to look in upon your celebration. I should meet many whose 
faces and forms are almost the same as when they greeted me 
eighteen years ago. There are others whom I knew as children 
and who are grown I suppose wholly out of my recognition ; but 
I should like to look in their faces and take them by the hand and 
see how far they liave realized the anticipations I used to like to 
form about them when I was privileged to look on them as 
members of my flock. 

But very many of those who were nearest and dearest to me 
during my ministry have left this earth and will not be with you — 
I am almost startled when I count them over and see how many 
they are. Inasmuch as I am forced to be among the absent ones 
I take a kind of solemn joy in thinking in what a company I am ; 
for whether the absence is occasioned by a difierence of continent 
or by difference of sphere may be less of a distinction than we are 
apt to suppose. I think it would be hard to find anywhere in the 
world truer exemplifications of the christian life than we had 
among those dear departed ones, whose loveliness and unselfish 
devotion to duty and religious fervor give now an odor of 
sanctity to the church they loved so well ; and what a testimony 
they give to the value of that form of religious faith which has 
borne such precious fruit ! May their memory stimulate us and 
make us strive that it may work in us also the same perfect 
work ! 

May God bless you in your ministry, and bless the people — 
who in every true church are ministers too — and may you and 
they so labor together as to help on the kingdom of righteousness 
and truth and love. 

I am ever sincerely yours, 

Charles Lowe. 



116 



EXERCISES AT NORMAL HALL. 



Portland, Maine, July 16, 1872. 

My Dear Mr. Willson : — It is a great disappointment to me, 
that I shall not be able to be present at the centennial celebration 
of the North Church. I should not allow any light thing to 
detain me from it ; for I would not willingly neglect so filial a 
duty ; but an engagement of long standing, and involving the 
convenience of others beside myself, takes me out of communi- 
cation with Salem for a week to come. 

I trust that the occasion will be successful in renewing the 
recollections which are too good to be allowed to perish, and that 
the elements will be as propitious as the occasion, that the ther- 
mometer may not see fit to celebrate the centennial by itself rising 
to one hundred degrees. 

My chief contribution, if I could be as present as I am in 
desire, would be an interest loyal to the old church. My mem- 
ories of its history go too little way back, and are too largely 
personal to be of value to others, though to myself they are a 
part of the most precious things in my life ; and yet, though one 
of its younger children, I can touch directly or indirectly along 
the whole span of its century's life. The church was founded in 
the dark da3^s just before the Revolution, — an act of faith not the 
least memorable among the many historical events in the history 
of Salem. It is ninety-seven years since some of the parishioners 
of one of my predecessors at King's Chapel came down to Salem 
in their red coats seeking powder, and found Mr. Barnard 
standing at the old North Bridge. The clerical dress and manner 
of that noteworthy figure among the worthies of the old town, were 
a tradition still, — the beautiful youth of Abbot, all fragrant with 
piety, was an inspiring memor}^ not yet dim, twenty-five years ago. 

Dr. Brazer's kind, scholarly presence I well remember, and have 
to confess that one of my earliest impressions of him is as 
standing at the door of the pew where I was just emerging from a 



EXERCISES AT NORMAL HALL. 



117 



sound sleep, and smiling benignantlj on his small parishioner who 
did not then dream of one day himself exercising a soporific influ- 
ence on future hearers. 

The old church I never knew except in its degradations when 
painted carpets hung up to dr}^, where the fathers and mothers in 
that Israel used to come up to their hol}^ place ; but the present 
church, if I can judge others by myself, must be to many who 
have gone forth to the ends of the earth, as stately and venerable 
as any cathedral, with its gray tower and green-mantled walls. 

The North Church has had a succession of men of rare and 
various gifts in its ministry. For many of its children, the voices 
of its living ministers, present and past, are mingled in the best 
things which we have in this world to remember ; yet the best 
things which that pulpit said to me in the forming years of life 
could not speak more eloquently than it used to speak by its 
silence. That mahogan}^ tower whose beauty seemed to surpass 
any other carven work spoke as a symbol, and the best testimony 
of the church was the testimony of the undying words of the 
New Testament which it has written above its preacher's head as 
the law of his utterance and the pledge of its own faith and 
fidelity. 

Much has changed in the hundred years, but the freshness and 
truth of those words, and of the gospel whence they are drawn, 
have surely gained by the testimony of a century's added life. 

The christian lives that have been lived, loving, helpful and 
strong, in the North Church, and the faith that has been nourished 
there, are evidences not to be gainsaid, that the Christianity which 
the church was instituted to teach is real, and that the substance 
of its faith is fact and truth. Shall we not also take them as 
promises that the old church will still have work to do and will do 
it, in the years to come, for God and for Jesus Christ, reconciling 
the old truth with the new vision ? 

Yours faithfully, Henry W. Foote. 



118 



EXERCISES AT NORMAL HALL. 



Jamaica Plain, July 18, 1872. 

George B. Loring, Esq. 

My Dear Sir : — I have delayed answering your kind invitation 
to join the North society in celebrating the one hundredth anni- 
versary of its organization till now, in the hope that I might find 
myself able to accept it. But as the day is at hand and the in- 
tense heat continues, I am compelled at the last moment to 
acknowledge the honor of the invitation with gratitude and to 
decline it with great regret. Believe me, I should greatly enjoy 
being with you. My associations with the North society are all 
interesting and agreeable, — extremely so. My acquaintance with 
it covers more than a third of its entire history. Forty years ago, 
when I became minister of the church in Barton Square, the North 
society contained in its membership as noble a list of men and 
women, adorning their positions and illuminating the spheres of 
their various activity, as any parish in the commonwealth could 
then boast. I recall their presence to-day, as your preacher will 
do to-morrow, with equal reverence and affection. I remember, 
with a heart which yearns towards them across the interval of 
years that separates us, the most gracious cordiality with which 
they received me, a mere youth, to their refined and charming 
homes. I can never forget the amiable and courtly Col. Benjamin 
Pickman, at whose table I was a frequent guest ; nor his exceed- 
ingly modest but highly cultivated brother and sister, William and 
Rawlins who, in their tastes and studies, impersonated the best 
genius of literature, and in their character the simplicity, sincerity 
and charity of the gospel of Christ. Who that knew him will ever 
forget the commanding figure and the massive intellect of Dudley 
Pickman, or his fine powers of conversation ? The meek and diflS- 
dent Frederick Howes rises into this group, a studious man of rare 
attainments, matched, perhaps, by no other in the society unless, 
perchance, by a lady of his own family. There is another name 



EXERCISES AT NORMAL HALL. 



119 



which will not fail to be remembered with tenderest interest on the 
occasion ; and I could form no better aspiration for your proceed- 
ings than that they might be animated by the spirit of that grand- 
est of men and best of Christians, Leverett Saltonstall. 

But I am sorry I began to refer to names because the list is so 
long, and so many in the same and in less conspicuous walks rush 
to my attention only to be passed by. Besides the Peabodys who 
will be fitly commemorated, there is .one most friendly face which 
I love to recall, — that of a neighbor who I suppose never had a 
christian name, and in respect to whom we were always violating 
the injunction, " Call no man master," for we never called him 
anything else but " Master Cole." At the remembrance of these 
persons and their families and of so many others equally worthy, 
all the venerations of my heart leap up and mingle with those 
which I bear towards so great a num])er in all the parishes of your 
good city, my long-time and most pleasant home. 

Please give the hearty love of their old friend to the North 
society assembled to-morrow, and believe me. 

With sincere regard, j^ours very truly, 

James W. Thompson. 

Providence, July 3, 1872. 

Francis H. Lee, Esq. 

Dear Sir : — I deeply regret that I cannot accept 3"our friendly 
invitation to attend " a celebration of the centennial anniversary 
of the founding of the North Church and Society in Salem," to 
take place on Friday, the 19th inst. ; but the semi-centennial an- 
niversary of the founding of the Rhode Island Historical Societ}^, 
of which I have been twenty-two years librarian, occurring on the 
same day, I cannot, as a member of the committee of arrange- 
ments, with propriety, absent myself on that occasion. 

Your note of invitation revived pleasant memories of the years 
of my ministry in Beverly and of the fraternal intercourse I held 



120 



EXERCISES AT NORMAL HALL. 



with the clergy of your city and vicinity. The Ministerial Asso- 
ciation which embraced the names of the venerable Dr. Prince, of 
Brazer, Flint, Thompson and Upham, of Salem ; Thayer of Beverly ; 
Sewall and Bigelow, of Danvers ; Robbins, Pierpont and Swett, 
of Lynn ; and Hamilton and Waite of Gloucester, combined in no 
common degree, high scholarship, devoutness and geniality. Cer- 
tainly, I have never known a body of men in which the spirit of 
brotherhood was more strongly developed, or who were more 
devoted to the work of their profession. 

********** 
The mention of these and other names awakens many recollec- 
tions of men and events in your goodly city of which I may not 
here speak. And while, in conclusion, I rejoice with you in the 
honorable record of a century of your society's life, accept assur- 
ances of my best wishes for its future, and my earnest prayer 
that its prosperity may be perpetuated until the church on earth 
shall be merged in the church of the first born in heaven. 

Very sincerely yours, 

Edwin M. Stone. 

Mr. Willson next read extracts from a letter from S. Endicott 
Peabody, Esq., who removed a little more than a year ago from 
Salem to London, England, prefacing the reading by a grateful 
mention of the deep interest which the writer had always shown 
in the welfare of the society, and the valuable services he liad 
rendered in the Sunday School, and in other positions. The letter 
had not been written for public use, but it might be presumed that 
the writer would not object to the introduction of a few sentences 
as a greeting from an old friend with whom the society had parted 
most reluctantly. Mr. Willson also observed that the letter con- 
tained substantial pecuniar}^ aid towards the expenses of this cele- 
bration of the society's one hundredth anniversarj^ 



EXEKCISES AT NORMAL HALL. 



121 



22 Old Broad Street, 

London, June 18, 1872. 
My Dear Mr. Willson: — Your friendly note just received re- 
minds me most pleasantly of the day of jubilee which is at hand 
for the old North Church, with which for four generations my 
family have been identified. . . . Whether it will ever be my 
good fortune to be again an active member of the good old con- 
gregation I cannot know, but I never enter a church on Sunday 
without seeing before me, not only the familiar walls of the " Old 
North," but all the forms and faces of those whom I have known 
with various degrees of intimacy from earliest childhood to a very 

mature manhood 

With the sincere hope that the celebration may pass off most 
agreeably to all who will have the happiness to participate in it, 
I remain, cordially and gratefully yours, 

S. E. Peabody. 

THE PEESIDENT. 

I now desire to introduce to you a venerable son of Salem, the 
Rev. Mr. Hodges. 

ADDRESS OF THE EEV. R. M. HODGES. 

I esteem it a privilege to be present on this memorial occasion. 
Let me pay a tribute of gratitude to the Author and Preserver of 
my life, for the kind providence which has upheld and blessed me 
in being even unto this hour. 

Mr. Chairman, I regard it as a special favor to be invited to 
contribute, in ever so humble degree, to the grateful emotions of 
this festival. I am not, as you are aware, a member of this family 
in the great communion of Christians, but at an interesting period 
of my life, my best affections were strongly attached to the minis- 
tering servants, and to the public ministrations of the church which 
8 



122 



EXERCISES AT NORMAL HALL. 



was here gathered one hundred j^ears ago to-day. My recollections 
of Dr. Barnard bring with them, sentiments of reverence, of grat- 
itude and love. He did a favor for me which makes his memory 
dear to me. He was a venerable man and the dignity and urbanity 
that distinguished his demeanor sat gracefully upon him, for they 
were the heritage of a succession of worthy progenitors. 

Of the saintly Abbot, I have no words in which to clothe my 
conception of his pure and devout character. It was my privilege 
for about a year to be his pupil in theological studies and christian 
training. His teachings and his example I regard as legacies 
that will never lose their value, and which are presented in a 
revived light and with renewed emphasis by the observances of 
this day. 

Though debarred the honor of being afBliated to the North 
Church, I may claim with satisfaction the prerogative of being a 
son of Salem. The place of one's nativity, in these latter days, 
has come to be regarded as not an immaterial point in the history 
of one's life. It has recently been declared, in the interest of no 
inconsiderable authority, that if one were not born in Boston, it 
had been better that he was not born at all. This is an unpleasant 
dilemma, to say the least, for a majorit}^ of mortality to be placed 
in. Although subject to the bereavement of this declaration, 
having first breathed the air of Salem, I do not consider myself as 
altogether out of the pale of humanity, inasmuch as my better 
half was born in the specially favored cit}^, and to that circum- 
stance and the basis of it, I am ready mainly to attribute the hap- 
piness that has crowned my days. 

I am glad, Mr. Chairman, that I am alive to-day, if it be only a 
moiety of existence, that I may speak in honor of the place that 
gave me birth. The merchants of olden time, the Grays, the 
Peabodys, the Crowninshields pass in review before me, reminding 
me of magnanimous thoughts and generous deeds. The physicians 
of former days, the venerable Holyoke, venerable for years, the 



EXERCISES AT NORMAL HALL. 



123 



unequivocal Treadwell, firm and decided, the imperturbable Oliver, 
calm and unimpassioned, are still held in grateful remembrance 
for the confidence which their skill inspired, and for the ability 
which their sympathetic affections gave to bear, with fortitude 
and patience, suffering and disease. And then, the Storys, the 
Saltonstalls and the Kings, have they not imprinted their names 
on the jurisprudence of the commonwealth in ineffaceable char- 
acters? The servants of Christ and preachers of his gospel, 
Prince, Bentley and Barnard, Worcester, Hopkins and Emerson, 
Emerson still living and reverently alive in all true hearts, and 
Bowles, Ballon and Turner, Fisher and Griswold, have they not 
all been more worthy of their high calling, and have not their 
words and deeds given purity and dignity to the records of eccle- 
siastical history ? 

Other names, in other walks of life, I am aware, are worthy of 
respectful notice on this occasion. The names of Bowditch and 
of Pickering carry with them their own eulogy. But there are 
two gentlemen, both of them members of the church in whose 
honor we are assembled to-day, whom I would not fail to pass 
unnoticed. They are Thomas Cole and Jacob Newman Knapp, 
both of them holding high places in the now distinguished office 
of guiding and disciplining the intellectual powers of the young. 
I doubt if any man in any community ever left a more desirable 
or a more useful impression upon the minds of so many young 
ladies, as did the genial and kind-hearted teacher of the school in 
Federal street, near the Tabernacle Church. 

Of Mr. Knapp, although I was not one of his pupils, I am not 
afraid to speak words too strongly eulogistic. He was a repre- 
sentative man. He felt deeply all beneficent interests, and exerted 
himself to advance them in honor. Wherever he went, he carried 
with him a salutary influence. When you were in his presence, 
you felt that you were in the presence of a friend, an earnest 
friend to the advancement in power of humanity. Educated to 



124 



EXERCISES AT NORMAL HALL. 



be a minister of the gospel, without any affectation, in his inter- 
course in society he exerted a beautiful and beneficial influence. 
I have always classed him with the sainted John Emery Abbot. 
It is such men whose memory gives dignity and grace not only to 
this occasion, but to every occasion that confers honor on humanity. 

Mr. Chairman, music is regarded as a great moral force. It 
quells the stormy passions. It gives peace to the troubled mind. 
It is the handmaid of devotion, preceding and following it with 
the most grateful effect. 

May I not claim for Christianity that it is not only an exponent 
for love, but that it instigates it. This occasion, which in its 
primal meaning is in honor of Christianity, ought to be dedicated 
to the highest power of Christianity. If Christianity is a moral 
power, creates love, it ought not to be held subordinate to any 
other power, for where love is, there is peace. 

Let me close with one word in tribute to the memory of Dr. 
Ichabod Nichols. He was an eminent son of this society. He 
was preeminently a scholar. He was conscientious in the use and 
improvement of his powers and affections. I have never known a 
man who labored so assiduously in the intricate recesses of the 
works and words of God. The truth was to him the supreme 
good, the most valuable of all possessions. His " Hours with the 
Evangelists " is a work of consummate power. It shows with whom 
he delighted to hold communion. Any community, any individual, 
may well be proud of holding relationship to such a man. 

I have not said a word with reference to our peculiar form of 
religion. I believe it to be in accordance with the teachings of the 
evangelical scriptures. After a brief life of study, a life some- 
what protracted, I am willing to leave it as my testimony, that 
the interpretation of the word of God, which Dr. Channing has 
left on record, is the true interpretation ; not on the authority of 
Dr. Channing, but on the authority of the Holy Spirit. 



EXERCISES AT NORMAL HALL. 



125 



THE PRESIDENT. 

I am reminded of the educational interest of our community, 
of the hospitality of those who are interested in this institution ; 
and I am further reminded that we have been cordially met on 
this occasion by the Episcopalian denomination of this place. I 
call upon Mr. D. B. Ha gar, the teacher of this school and a rep- 
resentative of the Episcopalian faith, to make some remarks. 

ADDRESS OF MR. D. B. HAGAR. 

Mr. Chairman : — You have taken me so completely by surprise 
that I scarcely know how to begin, and I fear you will think I 
scarcely know how to leave off. The scene before us is a very 
strange one in this place. I am accustomed to command here, to 
ask questions, to examine and to endeavor to convert tliose who 
come here to what I consider ways of truth. I think the object 
would be altogether too large to undertake to convert this present 
assemblage to my views, and it might not prove very successful. 
I might possibly run through the church catechism, but I fear 
there would be a great many mistakes. Therefore I shall attempt 
nothing of the kind. It has been a great pleasure to me to be 
able to contribute in any way to the pleasures of this occasion, and 
I was very happy indeed to use my influence to secure for your 
use the hall in which we are now assembled. I endorse with all 
my heart one of the leading doctrines of your denomination, and 
that is, the right to liberty of thought. I believe it is not only a 
person's right, but I think it should be deemed by him to be both 
a privilege and a pleasure to think for himself and at the same 
time to respect the opinions of other people. It has been my 
good fortune to be associated with members of the Unitarian 
denomination ; for many years some of my most warm and confi- 
dential friends have been among the clergy and laity of the Unita- 
rian church. We have lived together without fighting one another ; 



126 



EXERCISES AT NORMAL HALL. 



we have lived very happily indeed. And I esteem it a veiy great 
privilege, and it has been a source of profit to me, that I have 
been enabled to associate with those who hold difi'erent views, so 
different from those which I hold myself. I simply wish to 
express the gratification I have felt in listening to what has been 
said, and I can only wish great prosperity to those engaged in 
doing what they honestly believe to be good and right. 

THE PRESIDENT. 

I had almost entirely forgotten an important part of the old 
North Church, the luiij, the pillars on which the clergy lean. I 
introduce to you the Hon. Caleb Foote. 

ADDRESS OF THE HON. CALEB EOOTE. 

Mr. Chairman : — You well know that I am entirely unprepared 
for this call. If I were as felicitous and read}^ in eloquence as 
the chairman of the day I should be proud and glad of the oppor- 
tunit}'. As it is I can only borrow at second hand or thu^d hand 
the quotation from Mr. Hale, and say that " so much has been 
said," etc. I shall therefore only propose a couple of Azotes of 
thanks. I wish to ask you, the members of the congregation here 
present, to pass such a vote to our beloved pastor for the extremely 
beautiful, interesting and valuable discourse which he gave to us 
this forenoon. If it is jonv pleasure to pass such a vote please 
express it in the usual manner. [The motion was unanimously 
carried.] I also wish to propose a vote of thanks to the gentle- 
man who has so acceptabl}^, so eloquently, so readily and appro- 
priatel}^ conducted the services of this afternoon, for which I 
think we are under great obligations to him. If you unite in the 
sentiment with me you will please so express it. [This motion 
was also carried, nem. co?i.] And so, Mr. Chairman, the pleas- 
ant duty which I assumed, in lieu of a speech which would have 
been unseasonable at this late hour, is satisfactorily concluded. 



EXEKCISES AT NORMAL HALL. 



127 



Mr. Willson said : I do not propose to speak of the questionable 
advantage just taken of me, and Avhich calls me to my feet. [Mr. 
W. having just been conspiring with Mr. Foote to bring on a vote 
of thanks to the Chairman, but finding himself somewhat astonished 
at the unexpectedly wide scope of the latter gentleman's motions.] 
But being up, I am glad of the opportunity which jou. have given 
me to say a word in explanation of the absence of Rev. Mr. 
Frothingham from our festivities to-day. He was expected to be 
present until a very late day, and to me it is a matter of sincere 
regret, in common with all his many friends, that he is not here. 
He promptl}^ accepted the invitation of the committee to meet us, 
but a few days since sent a note saying that he was on the point of 
leaving New York to journc}'' in the direction opposite to Salem, 
and that it was doubtful if he would be able to return to attend 
these commemorative exercises.* 

I desire to express to you, my friends, before I sit down, some- 
thing of the gratitude which I feel, but which I cannot fully express, 
for the extreme kindness with which you have received me more 
than once to-day, and which is indeed a kindness which 3^ou have 
never, on this day, or any other, withheld from me. For these 
thirteen years — years marked indelibly by changes in many of 
your households, by no little change in you and me, and by 
changes memorable indeed and eventful to the country we love — 
for these thirteen years I have tested your friendship, to find it 
forbearing, steadfast and true ; and it is m}^ great happiness 

*The absence of Mr. Frothingham on this occasion caused much disappointment. 
It left a gap in the pastoral reminiscences of many of the middle-aged members of the 
society which "was seriously felt. His ministry covered a period of intense thought and 
radical inquiry upon religious questions in which he took a leader's part, and of uhich 
the influence will long be seen. 

I take the liberty to introduce hei-e a portion of a private note received from Mr. 
Frothingham since the day of centennial commemoration: "I was verj-- sorry to bo 
absent from your fine occasion in July. But the journey from Sharon Springs in the 
hot weather, on purpose for that alone, Avas more than I could face. I ought to have 
written you a letter to be read, and a sentiment too; uniiapiiily. the thought did not 
occur to me till a few hours alter the time of grace Imd '^onv by. The day seemed 
to spring upon mc xinawares. Friends spoke of the occasion to me aftei wards in terms 
of great satisfaction, making me sensible that I was the loser by not being there." 



128 



EXERCISES AT NOEMAL HALL. 



at this moment to believe that I have had your confidence, all the 
way ; not the less that you may not always have given consent 
to my opinions, or even agreed with me as to the line of duty. 
And now, congratulating myself, that it is my exceeding good 
fortune to come in the right place, in your line of ministers, to 
enjoy the honors and satisfactions of this day, I give place to 
the Chairman from whom you are waiting to hear. 



RESPONSE OF THE PEESIDENT. 

It gives me great pleasure, my friends, to be here on this occa- 
sion. I certainly am very grateful to you for the kind manner 
in which you have received my name, I am not accustomed to 
speak on occasions like this, and if I have conducted myself in a 
wa}^ that has been satisfactory to you, I shall consider it to be 
entirely owing to the inspiration of the admirable sermon to which 
we listened this morning. I have had excellent support on every 
hand, and I assure you that the occasion has been to me of the 
deepest and most profound interest, recalling as it has to my mind 
all the associations of my childhood and youth, bringing before 
me continually the faces of those who imparted to me good coun- 
sels and religious instruction in the commencement of my life. 
No man can tell until he has passed through some form of trial 
and suffering the value of those early principles taught him. by his 
parents. Then it is that the religious faith of his fathers becomes 
to him of inestimable value, and then it is that he learns to love 
those in whose care and keeping he is accustomed to repose his 
religious faith. I am gratified that I have lived to see this occa- 
sion, and that you bestowed upon me the privilege of presiding 
here. I am sure that one of the privileges of my life will be that 
my name will pass down with others in this church as one of 
those who aided, in a small measure, the faith, the fidelity, the 
honesty, and the religious fervor of our ancestors. Now, my 



EXERCISES AT NORMAL HALL. 



129 



friends, I will call upon you to join in singing the doxology, and 
that will close the services of this occasion. 

DOXOLOGY. 

Old Hundred. 

From all that dwell below the skies, 

Let the Creator's praise arise ; 
Let the Kedeemer's name be sung 

Through every land, by every tongue. 

Eternal are Thy mercies, Lord; 

Eternal truth attends Thy word ; 
Thy praise shall sound from shore to shore, 

Till suns shall rise and set no more. 



BENEDICTION- 



SOME MEMORANDA 

OF THE 

CHOIR OF THE NORTH CHURCH OF SALEM; 

Its Members, Organs, Hymn Books and Music. 



HENRY K. OLIVER. 

(131) 



SOME MEMORANDA OF THE CHOIR. 



Upon matters connected with the musical department of the 
parish, the records are meagre, nothing being found therein till 
1795, twenty -three years after the organization of the society. 
Under date of Dec. 17, 1795, a Yote was passed at a meeting of 
the "Committee of the proprietors of the North Meeting House," 
held at the house of Joseph Hiller, Esq., E. A. Holyoke being 
moderator, " that sixty dollars be appropriated for the purpose of 
instructing young persons belonging to our society in the art of 
psalmody." A Committee of three, Benjamin Pickman, Esq., 
Deacon Samuel Holman and Henry Rust, was chosen to carry this 
vote into effect. 

By vote of the proprietors, Jan. 7 and 8, 1798, Dr. Barnard was 
requested "to improve [make use of] Dr. Watts' Psalms and 
Hymns in the public worship, together with Tate and Brady's 
[which was then in use] if the same be agreeable to him and the 
church." 

The church, acting thereon, 

Voted, " That for the future this church will make use of the 
Rev. Dr. Belknap's collection of Hymns in our public worship, 
in the stead of that collection we have hitherto employed, .... 
provided this alteration shall be agreeable to the proprietors." 

The Church were willing to change, but preferred Belknap to 
Watts, and apparently also differed from the proprietors in not 
wishing to retain Tate and Brady. 

Note. — By record of April U, 1796, Messrs. Northey and Rust -were a committee 
to see to repairs of the bell " lately broken." A new bell, M'eighing- 1,000 pounds, was 
afterwards procured "by subscription." Its note is 13, middle line of Treble Clef. 
It was cast in England, and by vote of the committee was to be placed " on the top 
of tiie tower," apparently in a cupola erected on said top after the original Pi)ire had 
been taken down. The church then stood on the corner of North and Lynde streets. 

(133) 



134 



MEMOEANDA OF CHOIR. 



On the 5th of February following, the proprietors voted to con- 
cur with the church in the above vote, only modifying the proposi- 
tion "to improve Dr. Belknap's collection," by adding, in partial 
adherence to their first vote, " together with the psalms now in 
use." Perhaps this desire on the part of the proprietors to keep 
Tate and Brady, along with the new book to be intr duced, and 
the counter desire of the church to dispense with it, caused the 
whole matter to be dropped for the time. The records make no 
farther reference to the subject till Jan., 1803, except that the pro- 
prietors voted in January, 1799, " not to act" upon a proposition 
which had been made, to add Dr. Watts' Psalms and Hymns to 
those already in use. On Jan. 23, 1803, the proprietors having 
submitted to the church, anew, the yeiy proposition embodied and 
adopted in their vote of Feb. 5, 1798, — after discussion, an un- 
decided vote, an adjournment, more conversation, and another 
vote, it was declared by the pastor that : "It appeared [to be] the 
determination of the church to concur with the proprietors of this 
house in the introduction of Dr. Belknap's Hymns and Psalms 
into public worship in connection with Tate and Brady's Psalms." 

As the pastor could read from either collection, at his pleasure, 
however, no doubt Tate and Brady were soon quietly superseded 
by Belknap. 

At a meeting of the Proprietors' Committee, held at the house 
of Jacob Ashton, on the evening of Aug. 29, 1800, it was 

Voted, To recommend to the proprietors "to consider what 
measures they will take to provide a suitable place (either by 
building or otherwise), where such persons belonging to the soci- 
ety as are desirous of being instructed in psalmody, may conven- 
iently meet for this purpose." 

The proprietors adopted this recommendation and authorized 
the Committee to carry it into effect. A sub-committee, consisting 
of Messrs. Elijah and Jacob Sanderson and Benj. Watkins, were 
intrusted with the matter, w^ho, after due consideration, decided 



MEMORANDA OF CHOIR. 



135 



that a builcling of two stories, instead of one, as originally con- 
templated, would be preferable, and so advised the proprietors, 
who, at their meeting of Jan. 12, 1801, accepted the suggestion 
and authorized the erection of the building, the cost thereof not 
to exceed the sum of seven hundred dollars. Land for the 
purpose was leased of James Odell, and a passage way thereto 
of William Luscomb. At a meeting of the Parish Committee, Jan. 
12, 1801, the same sub-committee were directed to agree with and 
employ some person or persons suitable therefor, to take charge 
of and to teach psalmody to such persons as attend public wor- 
ship at the North Meeting House, in the new house built by the 
proprietors therefor, and to draw on the treasurer for the expense 
attending the same. This " new building " was situated near the 
First Baptist Church, on the Odell estate, on the corner of a 
passage way leading from Federal street to Bridge street, and a 
passage leading from the first passage way to North street. It 
was subsequently removed farther down the second passage way, 
and now stands, as a dwelling-house, next above the gasometer. 
It was occupied, at one time, for a day school by William Bigiow 
(I-I. Coil. 1794), afterwards Master of the Boston Latin School* 
from 1805 to 1814, and subsequently by Samuel Haraden Archer 
(Dart. Coll. 1818), from 1819 to 1835. 

The proprietors, at their meeting, Jan. 25, 1803, 
Voted, "That forty-five copies of Dr. Belknap's. Collection be 
purchased at the expense of the proprietors for the use of the 
choir." 

At a meeting of the Committee, Sept. 22, 1803, Col. Pickman 
and Mr. Elijah Sanderson were chosen a sub-committee to 
request Mr. Samuel Mclntire and Mr. Josiah Peabody, to apply 
to Mr. Samuel Ilolyoke, or some other person, and request him 
to assist them in keeping a singing school for the society. 

* Then standing in School street, on site of the Parker House. Master Blglow was 
a good classical scholar, a great wit, but severe in discipline. A common Avord of en- 
couragement was " Study, boys, study, and fill up the gap where brains are left out." 



136 



MEMORANDA OF CHOIR. 



This Mr. Holj^oke, a graduate of Harvard College, 1789, was a 
son of Eev. Elizur Holj'Oke (Harv. Coll. 1750), minister of the 
East Parish of Boxford, Mass., and a cousin of the late centena- 
rian, Dr. Edward Augustus Holyoke (Harv. Coll. 1746), of Salem. 
He was born at Boxford, Oct. 13, 1761, and died at Concord, N. H., 
Feb. 22, 1820. In his day, he was a much celebrated composer 
and teacher of music, writing generally for the church, and in the 
faulty style then in vogue. His music is now wholly out of use, 
having few of the elements of endurance that characterize the 
church Chorals of Germany and England, after the models of 
which later American writers have written, whose compositions 
show a vastly increased knowledge of the priuciples and laws of 
counterpoint and harmony. His most celebrated work was a large 
Collection of Hymn Tunes called the " Columbian Repository of 
Sacred Harmony." This was a very extensive collection of Sacred 
Music, containing 472 quarto pages and 750 pieces, including the 
whole of Dr. Watts' and of Dr. Belknap's Psalms and Hymns, to 
each of which a tune was adapted, as well as to some of the "par- 
ticular" metres in Tate and Brady's. Published by Ranlet, Exe- 
ter, N. H. At a meeting of the Committee, Aug. 12, 1805, a 
sub-committee of five persons, Messrs. Benj. Goodhue, Samuel 
Putnam (afterwards Judge P.), Ichabod Tucker, Samuel Mclntire 
and William P. Symonds, was chosen "to regulate the singing in 
time of divine service." 

The first hint of an Organ is noticed in the record of a meet- 
ing of the Parish Committee (Messrs. Samuel Holman, Abijah 
Northey, Elijah Sanderson and William Ward), August 29, 1806, 
when it was 

Voted^ " That the clerk notify a meeting of the proprietors to 
be held at the Meeting House, on Monda}^, Sept. 8, to know if they 
will appoint a Committee to dispose of the Schoolhouse belonging 
to the proprietors, and appropriate the proceeds towards the pur- 
chase of an Organ, if wanted for that purpose," that is, if said pro- 



MEMOKANDA OF CHOIR. 



137 



ceeds be wanted to make up the amount needed, over and above 
the subscription. 

At a meeting of the proprietors on Monday, Sept. 8, 1806, it was 
Voted, " That the building belonging to the proprietors, which 
has been improved for a singing school, be sold, and the proceeds 
thereof in whole, or in part, be appropriated, if wanted, towards 
procuring an Organ for the North Meeting House," and "that the 
standing Committee be authorized to carry the vote into effect." 
It was further 

Voted, " That whatever Committee may be appointed by the in- 
dividual subscribers towards the aforesaid Organ, in aid of the 
sum realized from the sale of the school-house, be authorized to 
draw out of the treasury, the whole or a part of the sum which 
said sale may produce, and unite it, if wanted, to the sum raised 
by subscription for procuring the Organ and placing it in the 
Meeting House." 

At a meeting of the proprietors, at the house of Abijah 
Northey, June 3, 1808, it was 

Voted, " That Ichabod Tucker, Esq., Mr. Samuel Mclntire, Mr. 
Leverett Saltonstall and Capt. William Ward, be the Singing Com- 
mittee for the said proprietors, and they are requested to take 
charge of the Organ when completed, and to regulate the singing 
in said society as they may judge most proper for the purposes of 
devotion and praise." 

Voted, also, that " The treasurer be authorized to hire the sum 
of four hundred and fifty-seven dollars and eighty-five cents, to 
discharge the balance due by the Committee of the Organ as per 
account rendered in this day and examined." 

This instrument was made by John E. Geib & Son, of New 
York, 1808, builders of some celebrity in their day. The son was 
a musician of some considerable note, and a maker of Piano Fortes. 
This Organ had two full manuals, from GO to F, omitting GG- 
sharp ; but the bass of the upper manual (swell) was " fixed," the 
9 



138 



MEMORANDA OF CHOIR. 



keys being immovable, aud without pipes, so that the bass of the 
Great Organ had to serve for the swell also. Originally it had no 
pedal bass. The stops were, in Great Organ (56 notes), — Open 
and Stopped Diapason, Principal, 12th, 15th, Sesquialtera, Dul- 
ciana, Trumpet, and blank Viol di Gamba ; in Swell (extending 
from tenor G upwards, 38 notes). Open and Stopped Diapason, 
Principal and Cremona. Its touch was exceedingly hard, even 
affecting skill in fingering. In 1832, Messrs. Hook, Salem men 
who, starting in a small shop at the corner of Essex and Sewall 
streets, and afterwards removing to Boston, achieved the A^ery 
highest and most merited celebrity as Organ-builders, made some 
repairs, changes and additions. The}^ took out the old diagonal 
bellows, and put in one of more modern make, with feeder and res- 
ervoir, added an octave and half of pedals with a double Open 
Diapason of 16 feet pipes, added a Flute stop in place left blank 
for Viol di Gamba in Great Organ, and greatly eased the very hard 
touch. Good (but only that) for its day, its tones were not 
smooth nor agreeable, and its un-facilities would greatly trouble a 
modern organist. These changes were made while the instrument 
stood in the old church, corner of Lynde and North streets. 
Some repairs were made prior to the above, by William Goodrich, 
Organ-builder of Boston. 

On the Sunday of the first playing of this Organ, Dr. Barnard 
preached a sermon on music, his text being " And when they 
had sung a Hymn they went out to the Mount of Olives." He 
spoke of " the stately Organ that now adorns this House." The 
opening of this instrument must have been quite an occasion, a 
full choir of volunteers having been trained to give some special 
music ; among which was Dr. Madan's then well-known, and now 
shelved. Anthem, called ''Denmark," Before Jehovah's awful throne. 

On the Committee for procuring this Organ, were two gentlemen 
long identified with the music of the parish, Messrs. Tucker and 
Saltonstall. They were both lawyers, the former occupying, for 



MEMORANDA OF CHOIR. 



139 



many years, the office of Clerk of the Courts of Essex County. 
He was a prominent and much respected member of the societ}^, 
distinguished for his interest in its welfare, and well remem- 
bered as the "minister's host," his house in Chestnut street (now 
Mrs. Thomas Cole's), being a home for those who supplied at 
exchanges or other occasions. He sang in the Choir for many 
years. Mr. Saltonstall was very largely and successfully engaged 
in the practice of law, and often placed by his fellow citizens in 
offices of honor and trust. He represented Salem in the Legisla- 
ture of the State many times, was its first Mayor (in 1836), and 
a member of Congress, from the district, from 1840 to 1844. 
Eminent in his profession, respected and beloved by the whole 
community, and ardently attached to the society to which his 
religious convictions led him, he gave it his most earnest service 
and sustained its interests with unflagging devotion. A polished 
and accomplished gentleman, of marked and attractive face and 
figure and dignified bearing, of genial disposition and warm 
sympathies, " none knew him but to love, nor named him but to 
praise." He had an admirable bass voice, with exquisite musical 
taste, and great skill in performance ; and, except when absent from 
home on professional or public duties, always occupied a seat in 
the Choir, and joined earnestly and devoutly in the praise-service 
of the church. 

The other member, Mr. Mclntire, a pla3^er on the double bass 
and violoncello, was a noted architect and mechanic of his day, 
and of rare taste and skill in his special business. He planned 
the old Tabernacle, the South Church, on Chestnut street, always 
admired for its fine proportions, and ver}^ man}'- of the old and 
stately residences of the wealthy Salem merchants of his day. 

By a vote passed at a meeting in June, 1821, it appears that the 
subject of a change in the Hymn Book was contemplated, and a 
special Committee was appointed upon the subject, consisting of 
the Hon. Joseph Story (H. Coll.), the celebrated jurist, one of the 



140 



MEMOKANDA OF CHOIR. 



judges of the Supreme Court of the United States, Hon. Leverett 
Saltonstall and Hon. Ichabod Tucker. This Committee, at a meet- 
ing of the proprietors, January 14, 1822, reported in favor of 
substituting, in place of Dr. Belknap's, the collection known as 
" Sewall's," recently printed in New York, as "in the opinion of 
the Committee, compiled with great judgment and taste, and con- 
taining a suitable variety of sacred poetry by the best authors." 
The Committee added, that Rev. Mr. Brazer, the then pastor, "had 
perused the book and was satisfied with it." The recommendation 
was not adopted, and the subject was recommitted to the same 
Committee, with the addition of Messrs. Frederick Howes and 
Benjamin Pierce. This new Committee, at the annual meeting of 
January 13, 1823, reported " that in our opinion a change is desir- 
able ; but we think it inexpedient, at present, to recommend any 
particular substitute, and pray to be discharged from any further 
attention to the subject." [Signed, Joseph Story, Chairman.'] 

The notification for the annual meeting of March 19, 1827, con- 
tained the following clause: "To consider and determine upon 
the expediency of discontinuing the use of " Belknap's Collection 
of Psalms and Hymns," and of obtaining some other collection 
instead thereof." At that meeting, at which Hon. Dudley L. 
Pickman presided, it was 

Voted^ "That the Committee chosen at the last annual meeting 
be authorized to procure a suitable number of copies of ' Sewall's 
Collection of Psalms and Hymns ' for the use of the church and 
society, printed with good type and on good paper, and hand- 
somely, but not expensively, bound." 

Subscription copies were to be paid for by the subscribers, and 
the rest by the treasurer. 

This was the introduction of this collection, which was used by 
the society up to 1850. 

Col. Benjamin Pickman and Messrs. Dudley L. and William 
Pickman were wealthy and influential citizens of Salem. Col. 



MEMORANDA OF CHOIR. 



141 



Pickman's house stood on Essex, opposite St. Peter street, Mr. 
D. L. Pickman's on Chestnut street (now Mr. Benjamin Shreve's), 
Mr. Wm. Pickman's on Essex below Beckforcl, now Dr. G. B. 
Loring's. 

In 1829, by vote of the proprietors' Committee, though no record 
thereof appears, Henry K. Oliver (Harv. and Dart. Coll., 1818), 
then Master of the English High School of Salem, was appointed 
Organist and Choir director, at a salary of two hundred and 
seventy-five dollars. His first thought of organ-playing came from 
a suggestion of Hon. Mr. Saltonstall, in a conversation on church 
music in 1822, intimation being given that, after qualifying by a 
course of study and practice, he could probably have charge of the 
Organ and Choir of the North Society. On this hint, he com- 
menced study with Mr. Thomas Cooper, organist of St. Peter's 
Church, who, with his brother, Mr. Samuel Cooper, ranked among 
the best organists of the day. Compared with the present time, 
players were very scarce. Mr. Cooper removing to Boston, Mr. 
Oliver succeeded him at St. Peter's in 1823, removing in 1827 to 
the Barton Square Church, and thence to the North Church in 
1829, where he continued the next following twenty years. Dur- 
ing nearly all this time the Choir consisted mostly of volunteers, 
though salaried singers, mainly sopranos, were employed. Among 
these for about thirteen years, from 1837 to 1850, was Miss 
Catharine S. Mallet, afterwards Mrs. Henry Lemon. 

This lady, a sister of Miss Sarah Mallet, organist of the North 
Church from 1826 to 1829, first came to Salem in 1827, as lead- 
ing soprano soloist of the Mozart Association, and organist of 
St. Peter's Church, succeeding Mr. Oliver. This Association, 
consisting of about one hundred members, comprising the best 
talent of the city, devoted itself to the study and practice of the 
works of Handel, Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, etc. It gave many 
concerts and greatly improved the musical knowledge, taste and 
skill of Salem. Mr. Oliver was its President and Conductor. 



142 



MEMOEANDA OF CHOIR. 



Mrs. Lemon, now residing at Newton, possessed a voice of great 
power, with a richness, fuhiess and delicacy rarely surpassed. 
Well instructed in the art, and with admirable appreciation of what 
she rendered, she never failed to make a deep and most favorable 
impression. She particularly excelled in Oratorio and sacred 
music. Most estimable in private life, she was a general favorite, 
and her own annual concerts always commanded a full house and 
hearty welcome. When permanently engaged at the North Church, 
she was abl}^ seconded by Miss Ellen M. Swan, now of Boston, 
an alto of the very best quality, and a most excellent singer. 
The music of the church during all this period was of rare ex- 
cellence. Miss Mallet died at Bangor, Maine, May 25, 1872, 
having been for many j^ears, the organist of the Unitarian Church 
in that town. Thej^were daughters of Monsieur Mallet, a French 
gentleman of much respectability, who came to this country with 
Lafayette, and served in the army of the Ee volution to the end of 
the war. He then settled in Boston as a teacher of music, declin- 
ing to receive an\' pension. He was among the earliest publishers 
of music in Boston, the friend and business partner of the cele- 
brated Dr. G. K. Jackson, and predecessor of Graupner,* the fa- 
mous double-bass player, whose music store was in Franklin street. 

Mr. Adrian Low, one of the old and valued members of Wil- 
liam Manning's corps of famous coach drivers on the Boston and 
Salem line of stages, and a faithful and trusted express messen- 
ger, was, at this time, a leading bass singer. His sudden dis- 
appearance, never accounted for, will be remembered by our older 
people. Mr. Henr}^ Lemon, now of Newton, a baritone, was also 
a member of the Choir at this same date. 

Nothing noteworthy in the musical history of the parish appears 
in the records till the year 1835-36, when the subject of a new 
church edifice was agitated, resulting in the erection, by subscrib- 
ers, of the present stone building on Essex, west of North street. 



* All these men are well I'emembered by the writer. 



MEMORANDA OF CHOIR. 



143 



At a proprietors' meeting held on tlie 27th of May, 1836, it 
was 

Voted (though not without some opposition), "That the old 
Meeting House, land, and appurtenances, the bell, organ, and 
clock, shall be sold for the most the same will bring." 

A Committee of five persons, Messrs. John G. King, W. H. 
Foster, Nath'l Saltonstall, Geo. Peabody and Emery Johnson, were 
intrusted with this sale. The committee for building the new 
church purchased the old Organ at $706.50. The instrument was 
afterwards set up in the new building where it remained till 1847- 
48, when the subject of a new instrament was agitated. 

By a vote at the annual meeting of the proprietors, April 11, 
1847, Messrs. Francis Peabod}^, Geo. Wheatland, and John C. 
Lee, were appointed a Committee to consider the expediency of 
making certain alterations in the interior of the house and of pur- 
chasing a new Organ. At a meeting June 10, 1847, Col. Peabody, 
in behalf of the Committee, made a report favoring certain altera- 
tions, and the purchase of a new Organ, whereupon it was 

Voted, " That the fund belonging to the society, which was 
bequeathed to it by the late W. W. Palfray, together with the pro- 
ceeds of sale of old Organ, be applied by the special Committee 
towards procuring a new Organ, and towards certain proposed 
alterations in the pulpit, and in the interior of the church." 

This appears to have been done, and a new and larger instru- 
ment, being the same now (1872) in use, was procured and set 
up. It was built by Simmons and Mclntire of Boston, and set up 
in 1848. The main part of this instrument is about twelve feet 
long, with two wings added, of about four feet b}^ three on each 
side, falling back from the main body. This main body, con- 
taining the wind-chests and swell, is about six feet deep, with 
three towers of pipes, the centre fifteen feet high, the end ones 
twelve feet high, with a very handsome front showing the gilt 
pipes of the diapasons. The following is its schedule. 



144 



MEMOKANDA OF CHOIR. 



GREAT ORGAN GG to F \ SWELL. 

Open Diapason 57 pipes 1 Open Diapason. 

Stopped Treble and Bass 57 pipes . . j Stopped Treble and Bass. 

Principal / Double Stopped Diapason. 

Twelfth [ Dulcino. 

Fifteenth \ Picolo. 

Sesquialtera | Hautboy and Tremulant. 

Clarabella \ Pedal Bass of 20 pipes 

Dulcino I from GGG upward. 

Flute I 

Couplers connect / 

The bellows are not in the body of the instrument, but in a cas- 
ing suspended from the ceiling of the room in the tower, back of 
the Organ, a large trunk conveying the wind to the wind-chests of 
G-reat Organ and swell. The blower stands in an open space be- 
tween the rear of the Organ and this room. The instrument, 
though not of the highest order, is a vast improvement over its 
predecessor. Its foundation stops are not quite evenly balanced, 
and its fancy stops not smooth, nor reaching clear down the key- 
board. 

Hitherto, the Choir appears to have consisted mainly of volun- 
teers, excepting that the organist was paid a fixed salary which 
had gradually risen to $275 per annum. The other expenses were 
for Organ-blower, Music books, and a leading Soprano singer. 
By vote of the proprietors at their annual meeting April 29, 1850, 
the cost of the annual music was limited to $500, to be raised by 
taxation. At the same meeting, Sewall's collection of Hymns was 
exchanged for a book called "Hymns for the Sanctuary," as re- 
commended by a Committee, consisting of Messrs. Frederick 
Howes, Thomas Cole, and Caleb Foote. This book continued to 
be used till about 1869, the latter portion of the time, in conjunc- 
tion with Dr. Lowell Mason's Selection of Tunes for Congrega- 
tional Singing, the society having decided to introduce that form 
of praise service. In 1848, Gen. Oliver removed to Lawrence as 



MEMOEANDA OF CHOIR. 



145 



Agent of the Atlantic Cotton Mills, and was succeeded, after a 
short interval, by Dr. J. F. Tuckerman. 

Between 1846 and 1862, the following votes are found on the 
records on the subject of the church music. 

Dec. 28, 1846. — The proprietors voted that the Piano Forte, now 
in the school-room (rear of the present church), be " placed in the 
charge of their Committee, to be disposed of if they shall think it 
expedient." (This instrument had been bought some years before, 
and placed in the vestry then underneath the church building, a 
room afterwards abandoned on account of its extreme dampness. 
This room had been used for Sunday School, Choir and other 
meetings.) 

May 8, 1854. — Voted, unanimously, "That the thanks of the 
society be presented to Dr. J. F. Tuckerman for the skilful, ap- 
propriate, and very satisfactory manner in which he has conducted 
the musical services of the society during the time the same has 
been under his charge." — 

May 1, 1855. — A letter from Dr. Tuckerman was presented at a 
meeting of the Proprietors' Committee, as follows. — 

Salem, March 17, 1855. 

To the Committees of the Proprietors of the North Church. 

Gentlemen : — The removal of Mr. L. Saltonstall, Jr., Bass,* from Salem, 

which will shortly terminate the constant and able service which he has 

rendered in the Choir of the society for several years past, obliges me to 

suggest the necessity of an appropriation (of say $125 per annum), for 

the salary of a bass singer after the 1st of April next. With this addition, 

the expense of the music may be estimated as follows : — 

Salaries now paid (not including Bass), $500 

Add for Bass voice 125 

Allowance for repairs of organ tuning, music, etc., 75 

$700 

which sum I hope will be allowed. 

Allow me to suggest that the discipline and training of the Choir have 
suffered for want of a more decided organization than now exists, and to 

* Son of Hon. L. Saltonstall. 



146 



MEMORANDA OF CHOIR. 



advise that its immediate Director be intrusted formally by your Com- 
mittee TYith tlie power to engage the several members, as well as to 
apportion salaries and disburse the same by drafts on the Treasurer, not 
exceeding the limits of the annual appropriation. 

I am, respectfully yours, 

J. FrAXCIS TuCKERMAJf. 

These suggestions were adopted by the Committee, and full 
power in the premises delegated to him as Director. 

At a meeting of the Committoe, Oct. 3, 1855, after the ordination 
of Mr. Charles Lowe, the following vote was passed : 

"That the thanks of the Committee be presented to Dr. Tucker- 
man and other members of the Choir, and to those who volunteered 
their services in the orchestra, for their liighh^ acceptable perform- 
ances at the installation of Rev. Mr. Lowe on the 27th September 
ultimo. John H. Nichols, ClerJi." 

Votes of thanks to Dr. Tuckerman were also passed hy the 
proprietors at their annual meeting of April 28, 1857, and ^laj 
3, 1858. At their meeting of May 7, 1860, on motion of Mr. H. 
L. Williams, it was 

Votecl^ " That the members of the North Church desire to place 
on record their high sense of the valuable services rendered b}" 
Dr. J. Francis Tuckerman, for manj^ years, in conducting the 
Choir of the church, and at the same time to express their sincere 
regret at the discontinuance of his connection with the church, 
offering their best wishes for his present and future welfare." 

The Secretar}^ was directed bj vote to forward to Dr. Tuck- 
erman a copy of the above. To this a repl}- was received ex- 
pressive of a grateful sense of the recognition of his services, 
and cordially reciprocating the good will of the Committee. 

The aid of Dr. Tuckerman was invaluable in the musical ser- 
vices of the society. It was rendered wholly gratuitously on his 
part. Himself an amateiu' of most uncommon taste and skill, a 
composer of much merit, with a sweet, well-trained and command- 
ing tenor voice, and admirable administrative capacit}' as a leader, 



MEMORANDA OF CHOIR. 



/ 

147 



he brought the music of the church to the highest order of ex- 
cellence, and his loss from the parish was very deeply regretted. 
He afterwards took charge of the Choir at " Grace Church," 
(Episcopalian). 

He wrote for the Choir the tunes known as Danvers, Beckwith^ 
Contrition^ Supplication^ Chelsea (L. M.'s) ; Lambeth (S. M.) ; 
Ashburton, Saltonstall, 7s ; " The Lord is my shepherd, I shall 
not ivantf and several chants, all possessing very great merit. 
He married Lucy, daughter of Hon. Mr. Saltonstall. 

At the annual meeting of May 1, 1861, the charge of the 
music was placed in the hands of Gen. Oliver (who had returned 
from Lawrence to Salem), Caleb Foote and Joseph Cloutman, the 
former of whom took charge of the Choir, as successor to Dr. 
Tuckerman. His new service as Organist and Director he ren- 
dered gratuitously. 

At the annual meeting of April 28, 1862, it was 

Voted, "That the thanks of the society be presented to Gen. 
Oliver for his successful efforts in lessening the expenses of 
the music, and in instructing the members of the Choir and the 
children of the parish during the past j'-ear." A similar vote was 
passed at the annual meeting of April 28, 1863. 

At a meeting of the proprietors, April 26, 1864, Gen. Oliver 
proposed, that if the proprietors assent, he will continue in charge 
of the musical afiairs of the church, provided full power be given 
him to hh'c and discharge singers, and to control the general or- 
ganization and management of the Choir, doing all without charge 
for personal services. His proposition was accepted. Committees 
on music were elected in 1865 and 1866, the same power, however, 
being with Gen. Oliver who was chairman of the several Com- 
mittees chosen. 

In 1865, though no record to that effect is found, the parish 
adopted Congregational Singing. 

During the time of his officiating in the management of the 



148 



MEMORANDA OF CHOIR. 



Choir, he wrote raany Hymn tunes for its use. Among them Fed- 
eral Street^ Harmony Grove, Chestnut Street, Merton, Norman, 
Frothingham (on occasion of Rev. Mr. Frothingham's ordina- 
tion, to a hymn written by his father, Rev. N. L. Frothingham, of 
Boston),* Chadwiclc, Walnut Grove, Salisbury Plain, Walgrave, 
Vesper, Downing, Morning, Elkton, Algernon, several Chants, and 
the Motets, '•^Lord of all j^oiver and might," ^'The Lord shall 
comfort Zion," ""How manifold are thy works 0 Lord," '^Holy 
Lord God of Hosts," with other compositions, most of which were 
subsequently published and used elsewhere. Some of these were 
written before his removal to Lawrence in 1848, and some after 
his return. 

His organ-blower for many years was Philip Frye, now dead, a 
most skilful inflator of the bellows. This, in the old Organ, was 
a double apparatus with two handles, between which, in the rear of 
the instrument, the blower stood, alternately working one handle 
up and the other down, somewhat like the beam of a steam engine. 
Dr. Holmes well describes the labor of this " brother-player" in 
his humorous ' ' Organ-blower," which is so exact and true that 
it is inserted here. 

" 0 brother, with the supple spine 
How much we owe those bows of thine ! 
Without thine arm to lend the breeze, 
How vain the fingers on the keys ! 
Tho' all unmatched the player's skill, 
Those thousand throats were dumb and still. 
Another's art may shape the tone, 
The breath that fills it is thine own." — 

Not all the preaching, 0 my friend. 
Comes from the church's pulpit end ! 

*At the ordination of Mr. Frothingham the musical performance was conducted 
by Gen. Oliver at the Organ, Miss Frost, of Boston (for the occasion), Soprano, Miss 
Swan, Alto, Mr. B. S. Whitmore, Tenor, and Messrs. William BroAvn and B. F. Balder, 
Bassos. The tune " Frothingham " was then first sung, and a Motet hy Charles Zeuner 
to the words " How beautiful upon the mountains," a composition of very great merit. 



MEMOKANDA OF CHOIR. 



149 



Not all that bend the knee, and bow, 
Yield service half so true as thou ! 
One simple task performed aright. 
With slender skill, but all thy might. 
Where honest labor does its best, 
And leaves the player all the rest." 

Gen. Oliver always made it a point to thank his faithful 
helper at close of service ; for what were the player without the 
blower, as the former was once made to feel, when, in the midst 
of playing a Hymn tune, the Organ ceased, with a dying wail ! 
On running to the rear to find the cause, he found his helpmate, 
wearied with rising and sinking [the Hymn was a four verse, six 
line Long Metre, with the thermometer at 90° and a summer after- 
noon], had dropped into " sound " slumber — and, 

In sleep serene and calmly laid. 

Oblivious of the needed " blows 

With deep-drawn breath and full, he played 

The diapason of the nose ; — 

So full, so rich, and all so clear and strong. 

The echoing pipes the snorting strain prolong. — H. K. O. 

The Choir of the North Church has always been fortunate in its 
members, having had among them many persons from the best 
educated and most prominent families of the parish. As well 
as the writer can recollect, there have belonged to it at various 
times down to the year 1873: — 



Ichabod Tucker, Esq., Tenor, H. Coll., 
1791. 

Dr. Nathaniel Peabody, Tenor. Father of 
Mrs. Nath'l Hawthorne, Mrs. Horace 
Mann and Miss Elizabeth Peabody. 

Hon. Leverett Saltonstall, Bass, H. Coll., 
1802. 

Oliver Parsons, Esq., Tenor. 
*Dr. Charles G. Putnam, Bass, H. Coll., 
1824. 



*Mr8. Joseph Augustus (Putnam) Pea- 
body, Soprano. 

*Mrs. Charles G. (Putnam) Loring, So- 
prano. 

*Mrs. Francis B. (Putnam) Crownin- 

shield. Soprano. 
Joseph Richards, Esq., Tenor. Father of 

Mrs. Theodore Tilton, of New York. 
Nathaniel J. Lord, Esq., Bass, H. Coll., 

1825. 



*Son and daughters of Hon. Samuel Putnam, Judge of Sup. Court of Massachu- 
settH (H. Coll., 1787). His house was No. 138 Federal street. 



150 



MEMOKANDA OF CHOIR. 



George Peabody, Esq., Bass, H. Coll.. 
1823. 

Gen. H. K. Oliver, Bass and Organist,- H. 

and Dart. Coll., 1818. 
Benjamin Tucker (nephew of Ichabod, 

Esq.) Tenor, H. CoU., 1821. 

Dr. Edward S. Lang, Bass. 

Mrs. " " " Soprano. ) ■_. , 

-r^j ^ T, • i- Sisters. 

Mrs. Edwai'd Brimmer, " ) 

Solomon S. Whipple, Esq., Bass. 

Mrs. " " " Soprano. 

John Chadwick, Esq., Bass, Cashier Ex- 
change Bank, 

Mrs. John Chadwick. Soprano. 

Samuel B. Buttrick. Esq., Counter Tenor. 

Col. Joseph Sprague, Bass, Aid to Gov. 
William Eustis. 

Hon. Caleb Foote, Bass, Editor Salem 
Gazette. Mrs. C. Foote, Soprano. 

Henry Lemon, Esq., Baritone. 

Edw. H. Paysou, Esq., Bass. 

Mr. Benj. Shillaber, Bass. 

Mrs. Horace Mann (daughter of Dr. Nath. 
Peabody), Soprano. 

Miss Elizabeth Peabody (daughter of Mrs. 
J. A. Peabody), Soprano. 

Mrs. H. Lemon, Soprano (sister of Miss S. 
Mallet, organist). 

Mr. Adrian Low, Bass. 

Miss Ellen M. Swan, Alto. 

Mrs. Harriet M. Bulfum, Alto. 

Miss Elizabeth Donaldson, Soprano. 

Mrs. John C. Lee, Soprano. 

Ebeuezer Shillaber, Esq., Bass. 

Mr. Samuel X. Glover, Bass. 

Dr. Edward Barnard, Tenor. 

Miss E. M. R. Brooks (sister of Kev. Chs. 
T.Brooks, H. Coll., 1832). Alto. 

*Mrs. John Webster, Soprano. 



*Mrs. Stephen Field, Soprano. 

*Mrs. WiUiam F. ^sichols, " 

*Mrs. John Frost, Soprano. 

George Francis Chever, Esq., Tenor, H. 

Coll., 1840. 
Mrs. Benjamin S. Whitmore, Soprano. 
Horace P. Farnham, Esq., Bass, H. Coll., 

18t3. 

Miss Emily P. Farnham, Soprano. 

Mr. Benj. S. Whitmore, Tenor. 

Stephen Wheatland, Esq., H. Coll., was 

leader of the music in the years 1816 

and 1817. 

Dr. J. Francis Tuckemian, Tenor, H. 
CoU., 1837. 

Mrs. J. Francis Tuckei-man (daxighter of 
Hon. Leverett SaltonstaH), Soprano. 
Mrs. Benjamin S. Whitmore, Mezzo So- 
prano. 

Col. Henry Merritt (Mass. Tols. KiUed 

at Newbern, 18'v2.) 
Mrs. S. F. Govea, Soprano. 
Mr. J. A. Newcomb. Bass. 
" E.A.Bennett, " 
" Jos. Newell, 
Leverett SaltonstaU, Esq., Bass. 
Mr. Stephen P. Driver, Tenor. 
" Geo. A. Fuller. 

Cyrus L. Hay ward, " 
" Charles H. Stanton, Bass. 
Mrs. Mary E. Dixey, Alto. 
Miss M. E. Smith. 

Fanny E. Paine, Soprano. 
Eleanor V. Paine, 
Miss Elizabeth S. Merritt (daughter of Col. 

M.). Soprano. 
Mrs. William L. (Nichols) Kinsman, So- 
prano. 

Miss Mary E. Aldrioh. Soprano. 



Sisters. 



The present Choir, 1872-73, consists of 



Misses Lucy B. Willson, M. Louisa Webb, 
Mary M. Brooks and Mrs. Anna B. 
Pichardson, Sopranos. 

Mrs. F. H. Lee, Miss Mary E.Webb, Altos. 

Hon, Lincoln F. Brigham, Dart. Coll., 
1842, Chief Justice Superior Court of 
Mass. Hon. George B. Loriug, President 
Alass. Senate, 1873, H. Coll. 1838. Mr. 
Robert W.Willson, H. Coll., 1873, Tenors. 



Gen. Henry K. Oliver, Ex-Adj. Gen. and 
Treas. of Mass. Solomon Lincoln, Jr., 
Esq., Barrister. Augustus J. Archer, 
Esq., Merchant. Mr. Francis H. Lee. 
Prof. Edward S. Morse. Mx. Henry M. 
Brooks, Treas. F. E. Lead Co. Mr. 
Arthur W. Foote, H. CoU.. 1874, Bassos. 

Miss Louisa A. Goodwin, Organist. 



^Daughters of Capt. James Buffington. 



MEMORANDA OF CHOIR. 



151 



The several Organists have been 



John Hart from 1808 to 

Thomas Cooper, to 1821. 

Rev. Joseph Muenscher, 1821 to 1823. 
Marshall Pratt, 1823 to 1821. 

Peter C. L' Ouvrier, 1825 to 1826. 
Sarah MaUet, 1826 to 1829. 



Henry K. Oliver, 
George J. Breed, 
Frank Upton, 
31annel Emilio, 
Louisa A. Goodwin, 



1829 to 1818. 
1818 to 1857. 
1857 to 1866. 

1867 to 1868. 

1868 to 



The several Music Books used have been 



Salem Collection, edited by John Apple- 
ton, of the firm of Cashing & Appleton. 
Village Harmony. 

Bridgewater Collection, edited by Judge 
N. Mitchell and Bartholomew Brown. 

Handel and Haydn Collection, edited by 
LoAvell 3Iason. 

Boston Academy's, edited by Lowell 
Mason. 

Ancient Lyre, edited by Charles Zeuner. 
American Harp, edited by Charles Zeuner. 
Carmina Lucia, edited by Lowell Mason. 
Greatorex, compiled by Greatorex. 



Massachusetts Collection, edited by Geo. 

J. Webb. 
Mozart Collection. 

Beethoven Collection, edited by Ives, Al- 

pers and Timms. 
Church and Home, edited by Gould and 

White. 

Kreissman's Anthems, August Kreissman. 
Songs of Zion. 

Baumbach's Motets, edited by Baumbach. 
Oliver's Collection, compiled by H. K. 
Oliver. 



At present (1872), the only book used is the " Hj-mn and Tune 
Book," published by the American Unitarian Association, and 
used for Congregational Singing (the only music now in vogue in 
the service) by both Choir and congregation. It was formerl}" the 
custom at the opening of the service, for the Choir to sing a short 
anthem, motet, or chant, generally from the books of Zeuiier, 
Baumbach, Oliver, or Gould & White. This was continued until 
the introduction of the " Hymn and Tune Book," published by the 
American Unitarian Association, Jan. 1, 1869. The service (held 
in the forenoon only) now consists of a Yoluntaiy on the Organ, 
a Hymn tune. Prayer, Reading of Scripture, Hymn tune. Sermon, 
Prayer, Hymn tune. Benediction, Voluntaiy. The afternoon is 
given to the Sunday School, at the Vestry in rear of the church. 



THE CHURCH: 

COVENANT ; EARLY MEMBERS AND OFFICERS ; MINISTER'S 
LIBRARY ; SUNDAY SCHOOL ; EXTRACTS AND 
NOTES FROM THE RECORDS. 

(153) 

10 




Tile above engraving represents the Pickma^^ House, as it appeared in 1832, 
then owned and occupied by the third Col. Benjamin Pickman, a grandson of 
the first Col. Benjamin Pickman, who built the same in 1750, who took so prom- 
inent a part in the founding of this church and society, and is frequently alluded 
to in this memoir. 

On its site once stood a house built by Henry Bartholemew, soon after the 
settlement of the town, and which was purchased in 1680, by Timothy Lindall, 
a prominent merchant in his day — Mr. Lindall died in 1699 and gave it to his 
widow, who, about the time of her death in 1732, gave it to her daughter, Sarah 
Lindall. In 1749, Sarah Lindall (then INIrs. Morehead) gave the house and land 
to her nephew, Benjamin Pickman, who, in 1750, pulled it down and built the 
house above alluded to. The house stands on Essex street, opposite the head 
of St. Peter street, and is now owned by Mrs. Lemaster, who has erected 
stores on the front extending to the street. 

(154) 



COVENANT 



ADOPTED AND SIGNED JULY 19, 1772. 



"We, the subscribers, late members of the First Church of Christ iu 
Salem, but regularly clisraissecl therefrom, humbly sensible of the frowns 
of God upon us, in this separation from our brethren with whom we 
are still desirous of living- in all christian fellowship and charity, being 
desirous to form ourselves into a complete organic church, and to enjoy 
the institutions and ordinances of the Lord Jesus Christ and have them 
regularly administered to us, 

Do now, in the first place, humbly and solemnly renew the dedication 
of ourselves and offspring to the great God, Father, Son and Holy Ghost, 
and we do hereby profess our firm belief of the Holy Scriptures con- 
tained in the Old and New Testaments, and taking them for our sole and 
sufficient rule of faith and practice, we do covenant and engage to and 
with each other, that we will walk together as a christian society, in 
the faith and order of the gospel, agreeable to the laudable practice of the 
congregational churches iu New England, and we do hereby engage for 
ourselves (and as far as in our power, for all under our care) that w^e will 
live as becomes the true disciples of Jesus Christ, in all good carriage 
and behaviour, both towards God and towards man, hereby recognizing 
and renewing the substance of the first covenant entered into by our 
pious ancestors at their first founding a church in New England, in this 
town, Aug. 6, 1629, professing ourselves nevertheless, to be in charity 
with all men who love the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity and truth. 

And all this we engage faithfully to perform, not in our own strength, 
but by the assistance of the divine spirit which we are encouraged to 
hope for, relying upon the atonement purchased by the blood of the great 
mediator for the pardon of our manifold sins, and praying that the glori- 
ous Jesus, the great Head of the Church, would strengthen and enable us 

(155) 



156 



THE CHURCH. 



to keep this, our covenant, inviolate, and establish and settle us, and at 
last present us faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding 
joy." 

The following is the covenant referred to above as "the sub- 
stance of the first covenant entered into by our pious ancestors at 
their first founding a church in New England, in this town, Aug. 
6, 1629 ;" and which the subscribers to the covenant of the North 
Church, "recognized and renewed" and made a part of their own. 
It was not strictly the first covenant, as adopted Aug. 6, 1629 : 
that was gone : but it was that covenant as " renewed" in 1636. 
For the age of this covenant, therefore, we cannot, with historical 
accuracy, go beyond the last-named date. 

We, whose names are here underwritten, members of the present 
church of Christ in Salem, having found by sad experience how dan- 
gerous it is to sit loose to the covenant we make with our God : and 
how apt we are to wander into by-paths, even to the losing of our first 
aims in entering into church fellowship : Do therefore, solemnly, in the 
presence of the Eternal God, both for our own comforts and those which 
shall or may be joined unto us, renew that church covenant we find this 
church bound unto at their first beginning, viz : — That we covenant 
with the Lord, and one with another; and do bind ourselves in the 
presence of God, to walk together in all his ways, according as he is 
pleased to reveal himself unto us in his blessed word of truth, and do 
more explicitly, in the name and fear of God, profess and protest to walk 
as foUoweth, through the power and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

1. Eirst we avow the Lord to be our God, and ourselves his people in 
the truth and simplicity of our spirits. 

2. We give ourselves to the Lord Jesus Christ and the word of his 
grace, for the teaching, ruling and sanctifying of us in matters of wor- 
ship and conversation, resolving to cleave to Him alone, for life and 
glory ; and oppose all contrary ways, constitutions and canons of men in 
his worship. 

3. We promise to walk with our brethren and sisters in this congre- 
gation with all watchfulness and tenderness, avoiding all jealousies, sus- 
picions, backbitings, censurings, provokings, secret risings of spirit 



THE CHURCH. 



157 



against them; but in all offences to follow the rule of the Lord Jesus, 
and to bear and forbear, give and forgive, as he hath taught us. 

4. In public or private, we will willingly do nothing to the offence of 
the church, but will be willing to take advice for ourselves and ours, as 
occasion shall be presented. 

5. We will not, in the congregation, be forward either to show our 
own gifts and parts in speaking or scrupling, or there discover the failing 
of our brethren or sisters, but attend an orderly call theieunto ; knowing 
how much the Lord may be dishonored, and his gospel, in the profession 
of it, slighted by our distempers and weaknesses in public. 

6. We bind ourselves to study the advancement of the gospel in all 
truth and peace, both in regard of those that are within or without, no 
way slighting our sister churches, but using their counsel as need shall 
be : nor laying a stumbling block before any, no not the Indians, whose 
good we desire to promote, and so to converse, as we may avoid the very 
appearance of evil. 

7. We hereby promise to carry ourselves in all lawful obedience to 
those that are over us, in church or common weal, knowing how well 
pleasing it will be to the Lord, that they should have encouragement in 
their places by our not grieving their spirits through our irregularities. 

8. We resolve to approve ourselves to the Lord in our particular 
callings, shunning idleness as the bane of any state, nor will we deal 
hardly, or oppressingly, with any, wherein we are the Lord's stewards : 
also, 

9. Promising to our best ability, to teach our children and servants the 
knowledge of God and his will, that they may serve him also ; and all 
this, not by any strength of our own, but by the Lord Jesus Christ, 
whose blood we desire may sprinkle this our covenant made in his 
name." 

The following are the names of the persons who signed this 
covenant and were gathered into a church on the 19th of July. 

John Nutting, William Browne, Sarah Curwen, 

Benj. Pickman, Samuel Holman, Susannah Grafton, 

Joshua Ward, Benj. Pickman, Jr. Mary Grafton, 

Samuel West, Priscilla Hopes, 

E. A. Ilolyoke, Love Pickman, Sarah Gardner, 

John Lankford, Katharine Sargent, Elizabeth Field, 

James Gould, Elizabeth Nutting, Priscilla Field, 



158 

Mary Pickraan, 
Mary Gill, 
Mary West, 
Sarah Cook, 
Hannah Chapman, 
Hannah Gillingham, 
Elizabeth Liint, 
Mary West, 
Sarah Foster, 
Lydia Jane, 
Mehi table Ward, 

It was 

Voted, On the day that the church was formed " That if SiT\j 
person of sober life and conversation incline to join us previous 
to the settlement of a minister, they may be admitted by mani- 
festing their desire to the brethren, and obtaining their consent, 
and subscribing to the foregoing covenant." 

Agreeably to this vote the following persons became members 
by signing the covenant within the time prescribed. 



THE CHURCH. 

Hannah Watts, 
Ruth Holman, 
Hannah Symonds, 
Elizabeth Symonds, 
Abigail West, 
Elizabeth Holman, 
Elizabeth Archer, 
Mary Blaney, 
Elizabeth Newhall, 
Jane Ropes, 



MehiLable Cook, 
Mary Cox, 
Mary Grant, 
Bethiah Ruck, 
Mary Holman, 
Mary Archer, 
Eunice Crowninshield, 
Mary Glover, 
Martha Morong, 
Sarah Lankford. 



Samuel Curwen, 
Abigail Curwen, 
Francis Cabot, 
James King, 
William Vans, 
Richard Ward, 
David Mason,* 
Henry Rust, 
Eleazer Moses, 
Jonathan Gavit, 
William Paine, 
Sarah Kimball, 



Lydia King, 
Elizabeth King, 
Lydia King, Jr., 
Sarah Pickman, 
Mehitable Ward, 
Abial Bright, 
Sarah Curwen, Jr. 
Margaret Daniell, 
Sarah Pickering, 
Lois Barnard,! 
Lydia Chapman, 
Lydia Rust, 



Thomas Barnard, Jr., 
Rebecca, servant of Mr 

Ebenezer Ward, 
Rebecca Bickford, 
Martha Gavit, 
Jacob Ashton, 
Susanna Ashton, 
Mary Symonds, 
Jonathan Goodhue, 
Elizabeth Giles. 



The record of admissions to the church from the ordination of 
Mr. Barnard to the year 1836, when the society left their first 
meeting house, is here given. Mr. Barnard did not record the 



* " Dismissed from Dr. Boyles church, Boston." 

t If Mrs. Barnard was received into the church in 1772, it must have been as Lois 
Gardner, as her marriage Avith Rev. Mr. Barnard did not take place till May 31st of the 
following year. Her name, however, is found among those who signed the covenant 
previous to the settlement of a minister. 



THE CHURCH. 



159 



dates of admission ; some later hand has supplied various dates, 
some of them indefinite, beginning with the year 1790 ; they bear 
the marks of care, and may be taken, it is believed, as in the main, 
trustwortl]}^ 



Hannah WarJ, 
Francis Skerry, 
Ann Johnston, 
William Pickman, 
Elizabeth Syinonds, 
Margaret Syraonds, 
Benjamin Symonds, 
Martha Allcutt, 
William West, 
Elizabeth Symonds, 
Sarah Ward, 
Elizabeth Tink, 
Eunice Symonds, 
Nathaniel Holman, 
Hannah Holraau, 
Robert Alcock, 
Elizabeth Alcock, 
Abigail Bromtiehl, 
Elizabeth Kavell, 
Eunice Glover, 
Mary King, 
Samuel King, 
Elizabeth Cook, 
Betty Ingalls, 
Isaac White, 
Sarah White, 



Hopestill Hardy, 
Lydia Gray, 
Benjamin Watkins, 
Warwick Palfray, 
Ann Watkins, 
Samuel Field, 
Benjamin Goodhue, Jun. 
Rachel Forrester, 
Mary Goodale, 
Henry Gibbs, 
Mercy Gibbs, 
Samuel M'Intire, 
Elizabeth M'Intire, 
Judith King, 
Sarah Dorton, 
Habakkuk Bowditch, 
Mary Bowditch, 
Lois Phippen, 
Mary Skerry, 
Mary West, 
Elizabeth Henderson, 
Lydia Needham, 



Sarah Leonard, 
Margaret Hiller, 
Angler M'Intire, 
Mary M'Intire, 
Mercy Gibbs Frost, 
Mary Brewer, 
,Margaret Holyoke, 
Sally Knight, 
Joseph Hiller, 
Jonathan Herrick, 
William Herrick, 
Elizabeth Herrick, 
Joseph M'Intire, 
Mehitable Earvin, 
Mary Andrew, 
Sarah Phippen, 
George Earvin, 
Susannah Johnston, 
Sarah Rust, 
Sarah M'lutyrc, 
James Nichols, 
Rebecca Pierce, 



Nathaniel Syraonds, Jun. Sarah Lander, 



Jacob Sanderson, 
Catherine Sanderson, 
Elijah Sanderson, 



Caesar- 



black man," Mary Sanderson, 



Susannah Gerrish, 
Dorothy Goodhue, 
Sarah Hastie, 
Hannah Lampriel, 
Elizabeth Dodge, 
Lydia Grafton, 
Lydia Skerry, 
Mary IiigcrsoU, 
Ilitty Williams, 
Elizabeth Pickman, 
Caleb Smith, 
Sarah Palfray, 
Mercy Smith, 



Elizabeth Symonds, 
Mary Austin, 
Sarah Hales, 
Elizabeth Dabney, 
Elizabeth Gavett^ 
Jean Skerry, 
Mercy Ashbe, 
Eliza Benson, 
Mary Andrew, 
Eunice Sampson, 
Mary Ashton, Jun., 
Abigail Downing, 
Eliza M'Coomb, 



Nabby Ward, 
Eliza Carlton, 
Warwick Pallray, 
Sarah Gavett, 
Jonathan Gavett, Jun., 
Ruth Holman, Jun., 
Lydia Rust, 
Mehitable Andrew, 
Margaret Ropes, 
Hannah Frye, 
Katharine Millet, 
Anstiss Pickman. 

1790. 

Abigail Mason Dabney 
Abigail Norlhey, 
Lydia Pope, 



160 



THE CHUKCH. 



1791 to 1795. 
Samuel Holman, Jan., 
Eunice Holman, 
Mary Bowditch, 
Isaac Osgood, 
Hannah Gardner, 
Abigail Benson, 
Eliza West, 
Sarah Ward, 
Elizabeth Symonds, 
Hannah Hiller, 
Dorcas C. Hiller, 
Margaret Hiller, 
Mary West, 
Sarah Bacon, 
Charles Cleveland, 
Mercy Berry. 

1795. 

Edward Brown, 
Mehitable Ward, 
Mary Henderson, 
Mary Foster, 
Peggy Millet. 

1796 to 1798. 
Eliza Holman, 
Eliza Peabody, 
William Phippen, 
Anna Phippen, 
Rebecca T. Osgood, 
Samuel Putnam, 
Sarah Putnam. 

1798. 
Sally Archer, 
Joseph Osgood, Jun., 
Polly Osgood, 
Mary Pickraan, 
John Sabin, 
Nathaniel Foster, 
Lydia Nichols, 
William Ward, 
Nabby Perkins. 



1799 to 1803. 
Mehitable Carwick, 
Elizabeth Gardner, 
Mercy Walker, 
Benjamin Pickman, Jun. 
Hannah Clarke, 
Hannah King, 
Content Skerry, 
Lucy Bright, 
Sarah Emery, 
Elizabeth Pickman, 
Sarah Needham, 
Sally Field, 
Sarah Whittredge, 
Nathaniel Knight, 
Polly Goldthwait, 
Abigail Very, 
Peggy Sprague, 
Susanna Ashton, 
Mary Ashton, 
Mary Andrews, 
John Dabney, 
Peggy Symonds, 
Sukey Grafton, 
Hannah Seccomb, 
Benjamin Fisk, 
Lydia Fisk, 
Sarah Swett, 
Martha Wheatland, 
Mehitable Purbeck, 
Sally Nichols. 

1803 to 1807. 
Daniel Clarke, 
Mary Clarke, 
John D. Treadwell, 
Dorothy Treadwell, 
Abigail Brewer, 
Lydia R. Pierce, 
Lydia Peele, 
Sally Phippen, 
Ichabod Nichols, 3d, 
Frances Ashton, 
Margaret Gerrish, 



Hannah Cabot, 
Mary Beckford, 
Mary Allen, 
Thomas C. Gushing, 
Lois Balch, 
Catharine Andrew, 
Hannah Taylor, 
Nancy Mackey, 
Mehitable Cleveland, 
Mary Farrington, 
Betsey Butman. 

1807 to 1809. 
Ichabod Tucker, 
Rachel Gushing, 
Abigail Breed, 
Rebecca M. Dow, 
Polly Fuller, 
Lydia Dodge, 
Fanny Cabot, 
Lucy Cabot, 
Joseph Sprague, 
Lydia Bryant, 
Bartholomew Putnam, 
Lucia Swett, 
Polly Boutman, 
John Fairfield, Jun., 
Martha Fairfield, 
Benjamin R. Nichols, 
Elizabeth Andrews. 

1809. 

Martha H. Tucker, 
Sarah Mars ton, 
Ruth Gray, 
Eliza G. Dabney, 
Frances Swett, 
Sarah Grant, 
Gideon Tucker. 

1810 to 1813. 
Oliver Parsons, 
Rachel Forrester, 
Benjamin Peirce, 



THE CHURCH. 



161 



Hitty Osgood, 
Sarah C. Bronsdon, 
Sally Newhall, 
Eobert Procter, 
Lydia Procter, 
Dudley L. Pickman, 
Catharine Pickman, 
Joseph Peabody, 
Elizabeth Peabody, 
Robert F. Cloutman, 
Mary Ann Cloutman, 
Nancy Davis Gay, 
E. Orne Tucker, 
Susanna Tucker, 
William Gibbs, 
Mercy Gibbs, 
Mary Shreve. 

1813 to 1815. 
Jonathan P. Saunders, 
Mary Adams Saunders, 
Abigail Buffinton, 
Charlotte S. Forrester, 
Eebecca Phippen, 
Jonathan P. Dabney, 
Mary Nichols, 
Henry Peirce, 
David Nichols. 

1815. 

John Emery Abbot, 
Robert Emery, 
Margaret G. Emery, 
Rebecca Sutton, 
Sarah Beckford, 
Sarah Ashton, 
Anna Ashton, 
Leverett Saltonstall, 
Mary Eliz. Saltonstall, 
Thomas Cole, 
Hannah Lucas Cole, 
Abiel Chandler, 
Elizabeth Endicott, 
Anna Dodge, 
Caroline Plummer. 



L. Rawlins Pickman, 
C. Gayton Pickman. 

1816. 
Abigail Frye, 
Elizabeth Phillips, 
Nancy F. Barstow, 
Charlotte Saunders, 
Lydia Sanderson, 
Sarah Roberts, 
Eliza Sanderson, 
Thomas Pickman, 
Sophia Pickman, 
Nathaniel Peabody, 
Elizabeth Peabody. 

1817. 

George Nichols, 
Sarah H. Ropes, 
Elizabeth Cole, 
Hannah Putnam, 
Louisa Putnam, 
Elizabeth D. Pickman, 
Maria Rea, 
Sarah Holman, 
Abigail Webber, 
Mary Cook, 
Abigail Spencer. 

1819. 
Francis Gerrish. 

1820. 
Martha Pickman, 
John Brazer. 

1821. 

Mehitable MTntire, 
Amos Clark, 
Pamela Clark, 
Betsy W. Dodge, 
Sarah Moses, 
Martha Gale, 
Elizabeth Gushing, 
Elizabeth Hathorne, 



Nancy Andrews, 
Samuel Gerrish, 
Rachel Barton, 
Margaret O. Endicott, 
Ruth Henderson, 
Margaret Oliver, 
Abby Oliver, 
Anne W. Brazer, 
Alice Punchard, 
Frederick Howes, 
Elizabeth Howes, 
Lydia Snelling. 

1822. 

Eliza Amelia White, 
Sally Bulson, 
Martha Gavett, 
Lydia Richardson, 
Mehitable Neal, 
Hannah Endicott, 
Hannah L. Burchmore, 
Nancy W. Bell. 

1823. 
Sarah Chandler, 
Sally Chandler, 
Elizabeth Burnham, 
Sarah P. Nichols, 
Elizabeth Kimball, 
Mary T. Peabody, 
Lydia R. Nichols, 
Eliza H. Bott, 
Sally G. Procter, 
Lydia R. Treadwell, 
Gideon Barstow, 
Mary B. Osgood, 
Elizabeth Churchill, 
Jane Shillaber, 
Catharine Kimball. 

1824. 
Ruth Driver, 
Lydia Ward, 
Rebecca Frye, 
Lydia Cheever, 



162 



THE CHURCH. 



Archelaiis Rea, 
Susan Potter, 
Maiy Jane Page, 
Martha Peabody, 
Eliza. W. Brookhouse, 
Andrew Bowers, 
Catharine Hathorne, 
Joseph Goss, 
Harriet Endicott, 
Eliza H. Mansfield, 
Harriet Mansfield, 
Elizabeth Frye, 
Eanny Bowers, 
Susannah Hathorne, 
Sally Knight, 
Mar}^ Knight. 

1825. 

Benjamin Shillaber, 
Joanna Pay son, 
Lydia Gavett, 
Mary Beckford, 
Hannah Symonds, 
Mary J. Andrews, 
Susan Buffura, 
Lucy G. Ives, 
Augustus Choate, 
Elizabeth West, 
Mary .Jane Scobie, 
Sarah Bufi"um, 
Lydia Scobie, 
E. A. Holyoke, Jun., 

1826. 

Elizabeth West, 
Abigail P. West, 
Elijah Fuller, 
Daniel Bray, Jun., 
Mary Bray, 
Lucy C. Putnam, 
Priscilla Archer, 
Elizabeth Pearson, 
Eliza Endicott, 
Maria Osgood, 
Sally Webb, 



Susan H. King, 
Eliza Felt, 

Francis Ames Bowers, 
Frances P. Bowers, 
Ann M. B. Gale. 



Sarah A Shillaber, 
Sarah G. Putnam, 
Margaret P. Dabney, 
Mary L. Cloutman, 
Susan W. Osgood. 



1827. 

Charles Hofi"man, 
Anstiss D. Rogers, 
Richard Wheatland, 
Sophia Peabody, 
Anne Savage, 
Isabel Page, 
Nancy Chamberlain, 
Mary Goldthwaite, 
Sarah Ormond, 
Mary Crawford Wells, 
Catherine Brown, 
Eliza Chadwick Bridge 
Elizabeth Perkins. 

1828. 

Mary Wells, 
Mercy Roche, 
Allen Putnam, Jr., 
Sarah Osgood, 
Lydia Maria Buxton, 
Mary Anne Putnam. 

1829. 
Mary Page, 
Harriet F. Peabody, 
Clarissa Peabody, 
Elizabeth Jopliu, 
David Cummins, 
M. F. Cummins, 
Lydia Whipple, 
Martha T. Luscomb, 
Amelia M. Payson, 
Charles M. Endicott, 
Sarah R. Endicott. 

1830. 
Caleb Foote, 
Joseph Felt, 



1831. 

Lydia L. Cloutman, 
Elizabeth C. Cook, 
E. H. Payson, 
Margaret Savage, 

1832, 

Rebecca Farnham, 
Susan L, Whittredge, 
Mary Chandler, 
Elizabeth Dodge, 
Elizabeth Cummings, 
s, Judith Dean, 
Martha B. Jelly, 
Lydia Owen, 
Sarah Pearson. 

1833. 
Mary F. Nichols, 
Martlia B. Webster, 
Frances G. Ashton, 
Elizabeth Carlton, 
Margaret Sprague, 
Elizabeth Page, 
Hannah Herrick. 

1834. 
Helen Ruee, 
Elizabeth Redding, 
Elizabeth Wheatland, 
Sally Frye, 
Charlotte Ingalls. 

1835. 
Harriet S. Dodge, 
E. T. Brookhouse, 
Sarah King, 
Mary Ann B, Ward, 
Laura W. Sprague, 



THE CHURCH. 



103 



Hannah P. Frye, Ann Bowden Freeman, 183G. 

RiUli S. S. Bott, Ichabocl Nichols. Sophia Jane Burnham, 

Clarissa Balch, Jane Lakeman. 



OFFICERS OF THE CHURCH. 

From quite an earl^^ period the New England churches were 
accustomed to have an order of officers, intermediate in author it}^ 
and dignit}^, between the ministers and deacons, called Ruling 
Elders. They assisted the ministers in their pastoral duties, and 
were naturally their chief advisers among the laity. The North 
Church followed the custom of the Mother Church, and at its 
organization chose two Ruling Eiders, the usual number. The 
last election of a member to this office was in 1826. The fol- 
lowing persons were successively chosen Ruling Elders. 

John Nntting, chosen Aug. 20, 1772, died May 20, 1790. 

Joshua Ward, " " " " " Dec. 29, 1779. 

Edward A. Holyoke, " Jan. 12, 1873, " Mch. 31, 1829. 
Samuel Holman, " Nov. 10, 1793, " Nov. 24, 1825. 

Jacob Ashton, " Feb. 7, 1826, " Dec. 28, 1829. 

The following persons were successively chosen to fill the office 

of Deacon in the church. 

James Gould, chosen Aug. 20, 1772, dismissed Jan. 5, 1783.* 



Samuel Holman, 
Jacob Sanderson, 
Elijah Sanderson, 
Edward Brown, 
Thomas Cole, 
Edward A. Holyoke, 
Daniel Bray, 



" died Nov. 21, 1825. f 

Jan. 31, 1785, " Feb. 12, 1810. 

Dec. 22, 1814, " Feb. 16,1825. 

" " " June 10, 1844. 

Siept. 1, 1825, " June 24, 1852. 

Mch. 28, 1848, " Dec. 19, 1855.^ 



" " " " Feb. 24, 1850. 

In late years those who have acted as deacons have declined 
the office atid title, but have consented temporarily to fulfil its 
duties. Edward II. Payson and Caleb Foote have thus served 
the church most acceptabl}^ for mauy 3^ears. 

* At liis own request. 

t For thirty-two years Samuel Holman held Uie offices, both, of Ruling Elder and 
Deacon. 
I In Syracuse, New York. 



164 



THE CHURCH. 



William Browne was chosen the fii'st "Scribe" or clerk of the 
church, Aug. 3, 1772, and performed the duties of the oflSce till 
the settlement of Mr. Barnard. 

Eev. Mr. Barnard acted as clerk during his ministry; and after 
his death, Ichabod Tucker, Esq., was chosen clerk, Oct. 31, 1814, 
and held the office till 1840 or later. 

Charles M. Endicott was chosen clerk Oct. 1, 1842, and con- 
tinued in the office till 1856 or later, there being no record of his 
resignation. 

Henry M. Brooks was chosen clerk May 4, 1862, and still holds 
the office. 

MINISTEK'S LIBIRAKY. 

The Eev. Mr. Abbot, shortly before his death, placed in the 
hands of his father the following memorandum : 

"I w^ish to leave all the books which are marked in my Cata- 
logue, to the North Society for the use of thek Pastor for the 
time being. In this way I hope that when I shall speak to my 
beloved people no more, I may still, in a remote manner, be doing 
good to them and to their children." 

The books thus given for the use of the minister numbered one 
hundred and sixt}^- eight volumes, many of them of high cost, and 
at the time standard works. Some of them have a less relative 
value now, having been superseded by later biblical studies and 
an ever-advancing learning. 

The principle upon which the selection was made was evi- 
dently that the collection should contain for his successors' use 
the choicest books of his library. Subsequently, considerable 
additions were made to this library, principallj' by purchase, 
during the ministry of Dr. Brazer. For many years additions 
have nearly ceased. 



THE CHURCH. 



165 



THE SUNDAY SCHOOL. 

The Sunday School was organized in June, 1828. It was the 
earliest formed of the Sunday Schools connected with the Unita- 
rian churches of the town, though such schools were already com- 
mon in churches of other denominations. It was not at first 
looked upon with favor by a large part of the society. Indeed 
the opposition to it was such that some would not allow their 
pews to be used by Sunday School classes. It began with thirty 
scholars. For three years its expenses (chiefly the cost of books) 
were borne by Mr. Leverett Saltonstall, the superintendent, Mr. 
Francis Choate, his assistant, and acting superintendent in the 
periods of his absence, and Rev. Dr. Brazer ; Mr. Saltonstall 
contributed one hundred dollars, Mr. Choate more than fifty dol- 
lars, and Dr. Brazer a smaller sum. A subscription taken after- 
wards to reimburse these expenses amounted to seven dollars ! So 
great was Mr. Saltonstall's interest, and so devoted his service, 
that during one of his summer recesses spent, at Haverhill, he was 
accustomed to ride down to Salem in his gig, a distance of about 
twenty miles to attend the Sunday services of the church, and to 
discharge his duties as superintendent of the Sunday School. He 
continued to fill this office for eleven years, and brought the school 
to a high prosperity as to numbers, interest and usefulness. He 
may be said, in fact, to have been its founder, since the conclu- 
sion of the pastor, and such as he consulted before entering on 
the enterprise, was that, in view of the discouragements and preju- 
dices which beset it, if Mr. Saltonstall would consent to become 
the superintendent, the experiment might be expected to succeed, 
otherwise not. 

Singing was not introduced into its exercises till 1829. 



166 



THE CIIUECH. 



The following gentlemen, so far as can now be ascertained, have 
been superintendents of the school. 

1. Leverett Saltoustall, 1828 to 1838. 

2. Francis Clioate,* assistant superintendent from 1828 to 1838. 

3. Thomas Barnard TVest, from Dec, 1838, to May, 1840. 

4. Thomas Cole, from 1840 to 1842. 

5. Edward A. Holyoke, from Oct. 1842 to 1844. and probably longer. 

6. George Wheatland, from 1847 (?) to 1849. (?) 

7. George B. Loring. from 1852 to 1854. 

8. 0. B. Frothingham, 11. Solomon Lincoln, Jr. 

9. Andrew B. Almon, 12, John E. Lakeman, 
10. William F. Xichols, 13. E. B. Willson. 



EXTEACTS FEOM THE EECOEDS, AND XOTES. 

1772, Dec. 14. '-Piiblick Thanksgiving, December 3. Contributed 
£16—5—4. L. M. T." 

1773, Jan. 11. Voted, That the church recommend to ]\[r. Barnard 
to have a monthly lecture, if it is agTeeable to the proprietors and they 
will attend." 

1773, F'ib. 26. Voted, unanimously, " That members be admitted to our 
communion for the future by signing personally, in presence of the min- 
ister or one of the elders, the covenant which the church first entered 
into, instead of having it propounded to them publickly." 

1773. Jlay 25. Voted, "That there should be public catechising in the 
meeting house." 

1773, JI<:'i/ 25. Voted, "That there should be a monthly lecture on the 
Wednesday preceding the sacrament to begin at three in the afternoon 
through the summer months, and at two througli the winter. 

1793, Xov. 10. The church voted unanimously that the minister might 
administer the ordinance of baptism in private houses on " application 
from adults, or from parents entitled to baptism according to the votes of 
this church, in behalf of their cbildrenj" "not less than two brethren of 
the church," beside the minister, being present: the church "being of the 
opinion that neither the precepts of the gospel, nor the practice of the 
apostles are repugnant to such a mode of administration." Xevertheless 
this church "recommend when health will permit that the administration 



* Mr. C. was associated with Mr. Siltonstall. in the snpevintendency. during this time, 
and to him the school was indebted for many years of generous and devoted service. 



THE CHURCH. 



167 



of this ordinance be performed in the usual publick manner agreeable to 
the laudable practice of the churches in New England." 

1807, Sept. 15. The usage having been, when the church sent its pastor 
and delegates abroad as its representatives in ordaining councils, or other- 
wise, that the expense was borne by the delegate, or delegates accom- 
panying the pastor, the church voted that henceforth such expenses should 
be paid from the funds of the church. 

1815, Feb. 5. Voted, "That the morning service in future begin with 
singing instead of the short prayer." 

1815, June 2. Voted, "That the Covenant be now altered by striking 
out of the first section the words. Father, Son and Holy Ghost." 

1818, Bee. 15. Voted, " That in future the Lord's Supper be celebrated 
in this church on the last sabbath in each month." 

1824, Jan. 20. It was voted that half the income of the church, and 
half of the monthly contributions (after the cost of maintaining the com- 
munion table) should be committed to the pastor to be distributed among 
the poor of the church, and the other half reserved by the deacons for 
contingent expenses. 

1824, Dec. 8. It is recorded that Dr. Edward A. Holyoke and Samuel 
Holman, "elders of the church" were "the only male members of the 
church living, who were members of the First Church in 1772, when, 
with others, they were dismissed from the First Church, and formed the 
North Church." 

1830, Jan. 12. In closing the record of an invitation to send delegates 
to an ordination, the clerk, Ichabod Tucker, Esq., appends the following : 
" Memo. Why are not communications like the foregoing made to the 
society as well as to the church?" 

1846, Dec. 26. A " committee of charity" was appointed to distribute 
the charities of the church (" as the oflice of deacon is now vacant "), and 
to officiate until such time as the church shall elect suitable persons to fill 
said office of deacons." 

1847, Juhj 4. "It was voted unanimously on motion of Mr. Frederic 
Howes, that the pastor be requested toofler to the society on communion 
Sundays the following invitation : All present w^ho are desirous of a 
closer conmmnion with Christ are invited to remain, and join with the 
church in celebrating the Lord's Supper." 

1848, Mch. 28. A proposal to change the time of communion to the after- 
noon, and to have the observance less frequent, though presented and 
favored by the pastor, was not approved by a majority of the church. 



Ministers, 
MEETI^^G HOUSES, 

AND 

BRIEF l^OTICES 

OF 

Proprietors of the First House, 

BY 

HENRY WHEATLAND. 
11 (169) 



V 



MINISTEES. 



Thomas Barnard, D.D., ordained Jan. 13, 1773; died Oct. 1, 1814. 
John Emery Abbot, ordained April 20, 1815; died Oct. 7, 1819. 
JohnBrazer, D.D., ordained Xov. 14, 1820; diedEeb. 26, 1846. 
Octavius Brooks Erotliiugliam, ordained March. 10, 1847 ; resigned April 
9, 1855. 

Charles Lowe, installed Sept. 27, 1855 ; resigned July 28, 1857. 
Edmund Burke Willson, installed June 5, 1859. 



(170) 



EEY. THOMAS BAENAKD, Jr. 



Thomas Barnard, Jr., was born in Newbury, Feb. 5, 1748 ; 
graduated from Harvard College in 1766 ; studied theology with 
Dr. Williams of Bradford, afterwards professor in Harvard Col- 
lege. In 1794 he received the title of D.D., from the Universities 
of Edinburgh and Providence. His father, an uncle, a grand- 
father, and great-grandfather, had all been preachers. Francis Bar- 
nard, his first American ancestor, settled in Hadley. Francis had a 
son Thomas, settled in the ministry at Andover. The last named 
had a son John, who succeeded him in his parish. This John had 
two sons, one of whom, Edward, settled over a Society in Ha- 
verhill, and the other, Thomas, over a Society in Newbury, and 
afterwards over the First Church in Salem. Thomas, Jr., of the 
North Church was his son. The father, Thomas, Sr., was reported 
an Arminian, or, perhaps a Semi-Arian of Dr. Clarke's school. 
He left Newbury on account of opposition from the friends of 
Whitfield ; studied and practised law after his dismission ; but 
afterwards returned to the ministry and was settled at Salem, 
Sept. 18, 1755. He died Aug. 15, 1776. He was "a man of 
superior talents and acquirements, and of excellent character 
much beloved by his society here, and " highly esteemed by the 
public," says Felt. " His manner of preaching was grave, slow 
and distinct," says Dr. Eliot. He "had not sufficient animation 
in his delivery, but his sermons were rational and judicious, calcu- 
lated for hearers of thoughtful minds." It was observed by men 
of good sense that his style was not the most perspicuous. Bishop 

(171) 



172 



MINISTERS. 



Butler was his favorite author. Rev. Thomas Barnard, Jr., was 
married to Lois, second daughter of Samuel and Esther (Orne) 
Gardner, May 31, 1773. He died saiddenk, Oct. 1, 1814. His 
children were Thomas, baptized April 24, 1774; Sall}^, baptized 
Aug. 12, 1775, married Eobert Emery and died Sept. 25, 1809. 

William Pickman, Henry Gibbs, Jacob Ashton, Benjamin Good- 
hue, all of Salem, were college classmates of Thomas Barnard, Jr., 
and after his settlement were his parishioners. 

The following is believed to be a list, nearlj^, if not quite 
complete, of the published sermons and addresses of Rev. Dr. 
Barnard. 

Sermon at the ordination of Eev. Aaron Bancroft in Worcester, Feb. 1, 
1786. 8yo. Worcester. 1786. 

Sermon before the Ancient and Honorable Artillery company, June 1, 
1789. 8yo. Boston. 1789. 

Sermon before the Convention of JNIinisters, May 30, 1793. 8vo. Bos- 
ton. 1793. 

Discourse before the Massachusetts Humane Society, June 19, 1791:. 
Svo. Boston. 1791. 

Thanksgiving Sermon, Feb. 19, 1795. 8vo. Salem. 1795. 

Dudleian Lecture Sermon at Harvard College, Sept. 3, 1795. 8vo 
Boston. 1795. 

Past Day Sermon, March 31, 1796. 8vo. Salem. 1796. 

Thanksgiving Sermon, Dec. 15, 1790. Svo. Salem. 1796. 

Sermon on the death of Washington, Dec. 29, 1799. 8vo. Salem. 1799. 

Right Hand of Fellowship at the ordination of Eev. S. Dana in Marble- 
head, Oct. 7, 1801. 

Charge at the ordination of Rev. H. May in Marblehead, June 23, 1803. 

Sermon before the Salem Female Charitable Society, July 6, 1803. 8vo. 
Salem. 1803. 

Charge at the installation of J. S. Popkiu in Newbury, Sept. 19, 1804. 

Discourse before the Society for propagating the Gospel among the 
Indians, Nov. 6, 1806. Svo. Charlestown. 1806. 

Sermon at the ordination of Rev. Ichabod Nichols in Portland, June 7, 
1809. Svo. Portland. 1809. 

Sermon before the Bible Society of Salem and vicinity, April 20, 1814. 
Svo. Salem. 1811. 

Sermon on the death of Rev. Dr. Payson, January 11, 1801. 



KEY. JOHN EMERY ABBOT. 



Rev. John Emery Abbot, born at Exeter, New Hampshire, Aug. 

6, 1793, graduated at Bowdoin College in 1810, with reputation. 
After leaving college he commenced his preparation for the min- 
istry partly at the University in Cambridge and partly under the 
direction of Rev. W. E. Channing of Boston. He was ordained 
Pastor of the North Church April 20th, 1815 ; died at Exeter, Oct. 

7, 1819, unmarried, after a long illness. 

His father, Benjamin Abbot, LL.D., was born at Andover, Mass., 
Sept. 17, 1762 ; graduated at Harvard College, 1788, died at Ex- 
eter, New Hampshire, Oct. 25, 1849 ; was for more than fifty years 
the distinguished head of Phillips (Exeter) Academy, a position 
which his peculiar qualifications enabled him to fill with great 
success — son of Capt. John and Abigail (Abbot) Abbot of An- 
dover, Mass., who lived with his father, enterprising and indus- 
trious, and managed the ancestral farm well and profitably which 
had descended through a line of worthy ancestors, a grandson 
of Capt. John Abbot, a great-grandson of Deacon John Abbot, 
a great-great-grandson of John, and a great-great-great-grandson 
of George, the venerable progenitor and ancestor of a numerous 
progeny, who emigrated, as tradition reports, from Yorkshire, 
England, about 1G40, and was among the first settlers of Andover. 

His mother, Hannah Tracy Emery, was the only daughter of 
John and Margaret (Gookin) Emery, and died at Exeter, Dec. G, 
1793, aged 22, a granddaughter of Noah and Joanna (Perryman) 
Emery. 

(173) 



174 



MINISTERS. 



A Tolume of his sermons, with a memoir of his life hy Rev. 
Hem'y Ware, Jr., was printed at Boston in 1829 — a fitting tribute 
to his memory. His ministr}- , though short, is remembered as one 
of the bright spots in the annals of this church and society. 



REV. JOHN BRAZER, D.D. 



Rev. John Brazer, D.D., was born in Worcester, Mass., Sept. 
21, 1789. His father, Samuel Brazer, a baker in Charlestown, was 
burnt out when the British destroyed the town in 1775, and after- 
wards went to Worcester and established his bakery in that place. 

He received a common school education in his native town. 
Influenced by the express wish of his parents he entered a store 
in Boston. But his tastes led him to widely different pursuits, and 
in 1810 he entered Harvard College, where he graduated in 1813 
with the highest honors of his class. In 1815 he was appointed 
tutor in Greek, 1817 to 1820 he was Professor in Latin, ordained 
at Salem, Nov. 14, 1820, and labored there in the ministry until 
his death. He married April 19, 1821, Annie Warren Sever, 
daughter of William and Sarah (Warren) Sever of Worcester. 
She died at Salem, Jan. 30, 1843, aged 54. 

In 1836 he delivered the Dudleian Lecture at Harvard, and 

received the honorary degree of D.D. In January, 1846, declining 

health induced him to try the effect of a change of climate ; he 

went to Charleston, Soutli Carolina, and died at the plantation 

of his true friend. Dr. Huger, on Cooper River, Feb. 26, 1846, and 

although in a land of strangers he received from them the kindest 

attention that a tender friendship, assisted by high medical skill, 

could give. Children : — 

Ist. Mary Chandler Brazer, born July 13, 1823 ; married John W. Draper 
and now resides in Cambridge. 



5th. Edward Winslow, born Nov. 17, 1831 ; d. June 8, 185-t, at Dorchester. 
* "W. S. graduated Harvard College, in 1846; died at West Point, 17th Aug., 1849. 




^ I born Sept. 9, 1826. 



4th. Anne Warren Brazer, born June 10, 1829 ; married 



Ellis. 



(175) 



176 



MINISTERS. 



The following discourses and other publications of Dr. Brazer 
have been printed. 

A Discourse before the Society for the Promotion of Christian Educa- 
tion in Harvard University, Aug. 28, 1825. 8vo. Boston. 1825. 

Discourse at the interment of E. A. Holyoke, April 4, 1829. 8vo. 
Salem. 1829. 

Sermon at the ordination of Rev. Jonathan Cole, in Kingston, Jan. 21, 
1829. 8vo. Salem. 1829. 

Power of Unitarianism over the Affections (Am. Unit. Association. 
Tracts, 1st. ser.. No. 27). 1829. 

Biographical Memoirs of Edward Augustus Holyoke (appended to a 
collection of his writings). 1830. 

A Sermon on the value of the Public Services of our Religion (Liberal 
Preacher, N. S., vol. 1, No. 2). 1832. 

The Efficacy of Prayer (in the Unitarian Advocate). 1832. 

The Same. 12mo. Boston. 1832. 

The Same, reprinted for the Am. Unitarian Association, Tracts, 1st 
ser.. No. 88. 12mo. Boston. 1834. 

A Discourse at the Installation of Rev. Andrew Bigelow, in Taunton, 
April 10, 1833. 8vo. Cambridge. 1833. 

A Dudleian Lecture at Harvard College, May 13, 1835. 8vo. Cam- 
bridge. 1835. 

Essay on the doctrine of Divine Influence on the Human Soul. 1835. 

Address before the Seaman's Widow and Orphan Association, Dec. 25, 
1835. 8vo. Salem. 1836. 

Introduction to " A Good Life," by Thomas Wright. 16mo. Boston. 
1836. 

Sermon on the Anniversary of Ordination, Nov. 19, 1837. 8vo. Salem. 
1837. 

The Present Darkness of God's Providence. 8vo. Boston. 1841. 

Notice of a " Collection of Hymns for the Christian Church and Home," 
by the Rev. James Flint (in the Monthly Miscellany). 1843. 

Discourse Aug. 20, 1843, on the death of Benjamin Pickman. 8vo. 
Salem. 1843. 

A Discourse on the life and character of the late Leverett Saltonstall, 
May 18, 1845. 8vo. Salem. 1845. 

A volume of Sermons published after his death : with a memoir by his 
son W. S. B. 12mo. Boston. 1849. 

Besides Dr. Brazer was a frequent contributor to the North American 
Review and the Christian Examiner, and it has been thought that some of 
these articles displayed more culture, learning, and ability than any of his 
separate publications. 



REV. OCTAYIUS BEOOKS FROTHINGHAM. 



Rev. Octavius Brooks Frothingham, was born in Boston, Nov. 
26, 1822. Prepared for college at the Latin School in Boston, and 
graduated at Harvard College, in the class of 1843. His father, 
was Rev. N. L. Frothingham, D.D., for many years the well known 
Pastor of the First Church in Boston, a poet and writer of great 
merit. Born at Boston, July 23, 1793 ; graduated at Harvard, 
1811 ; died, April 3, 1870. His mother, Ann Gorham, was a 
daughter of Hon. Peter Chardon Brooks, one of the wealthiest of 
the sons of New England. Mr. Frothingham was ordained over 
the North Church, March 10, 1847, and continued in the ministr}^ 
here till April 9, 1855, when he resigned his charge and accepted 
the pastorate of the First Unitarian Church in Jersey City, where 
he was installed Sept. 11, 1855. In 1860 he was installed over the 
New York (city) Third Unitarian Society. Married, March 23, 
1847, in Boston, Caroline E. Curtis, daughter of Caleb Curtis, 
Esq., of Boston. 

The following are the printed sermons, etc., by Mr. Frothing- 
ham. 

"The New Commandment," a discourse June 4, 1854. 8vo. Salem. 
1854. 

" The Eternal Life," a discourse April 15, 1855. 8vo. Salem. 1855. 

Discourse at the Installation of Rev. J. K. Karcher in Philadelphia, Oct. 
5, 1859. 8vo. Philadelphia. 1859. 

" Theodore Parker," a sermon in New York, June 10, 18G0. Svo. Bos- 
ton. 18G0. 

" Seeds and Shells," a sermon in New York, Nov. 17, 18G1. 8vo. New 
York. 18G2. 

Words spoken at the funeral of Robert F. Dcnyer, Oct. 19, 1862. 

(177) 



178 



MINISTERS. 



"Words spoken at the funeral of John Hopper, July 31, 1864. 8vo. 
New York. 1864. 

"A Plea for Frankness," a sermon in New York, May 6, 1866. 12mo. 
New York. 1866. 

"Allegiance and Patronage," a sermon June 17, 1866. 12mo. New York. 
1866. 

" Leaving Home" and *' Revelations," two sermons in New York, Dec. 
9 and 16. 12mo. New York. 1866. 

*' Binding and Loosing," two sermons. ]2mo. New York. 1867. 

" Religion and Common Sense" and "The Spirit of the Times," sermons 
in New York, Dec. 30 and Jan. 13. 12mo. New York. 1867. 

"The Worship of Tools," a sermon. 12mo. New York. 1868. 

"Experience and Hope," a sermon. 12mo. New York. 1868. 

"The Weightier Matters of the Law," a sermon. 12mo. New York. 
1868. 

"Reasonings about Faith," a sermon. 12mo. New York. 1868. 

"The Issue with Superstition," a sermon Sept, 18, 1870, in Lyric Hall. 
12mo. New York. 1870. 

"The Radical Belief," a discourse in Lyric Hall, Oct. 23, 1870. 12mo. 
New York. 1870. 

"Personal Independence," a sermon in Lyric Hall, Oct. 30, 1870. 12mo. 
New York. 1870. 

"The Gospel of Character," a sermon in Lyric Hall. 12mo. New 
York. 1871. 

"Prayer," a sermon in Lyric Hall, Jan. 29, 1871. 12mo. New York. 
1871. 

"The Immortalities of Man," a discourse in Lyric Hall, April 9, 1871. 
12mo. New York. 1871. 
Colonization, Anti-slavery Tract, No. 3. 

"Believing Much and Believing Little," "No. 5. Tracts for the Times.' 
12mo. Albany. 1860. 

Sermon before the Graduating Class, of the Forty-second Annual Visi- 
tation of the Divinity School of Harvard University. 8vo. Cambridge. 
1868. 

"The Unitarian Convention and the Times," a Palm Sunday Sermon. 
" The Religion of Humanity." 1 vol. New York. 



• 



REV. CHARLES LOWE. 



Rev. Charles Lowe, son of Jolin and Ann (Simes) Lowe, was 
born at Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Nov. 18, 1828. In 1830 his 
parents removed to Exeter, New Hampshire, where they now 
reside. At Phillips Academy, Exeter, he qualified himself for 
admission to Harvard College, from which he graduated in the 
class of 1847. He pursued his professional studies one year 
with Rev. A. P. Peabody, then went to Germany and studied 
one year, and then spent a year in travelling in Europe, and he 
was appointed tutor in Greek and Latin at Harvard 1850-51, at 
the same time was connected with the Divinity school, at Cam- 
bridge, graduating from that school in 1851. He was ordained as 
colleague Pastor, with Rev. John Weiss of the Unitarian Church 
in New Bedford, July 28, 1852 ; resigned in 1854, on account of 
ill health.* Installed over the North Church Sept. 27, 1855, and 
resigned 28th July, 1857. On the 28th of May, 1859, installed 
over the Congregational Church (Unitarian) in Somerville, and 
after a successful ministry of nearly six years, was again com- 
pelled by the failure of his health to withdraw from the pastoral 
relation. He soon became, and for several years continued to 
be, the efficient and trusted secretary of the American Unitarian 
Association. 

He married Sept. 16, 1857, Martha A. daughter of the late 
Justus and Hannah (Wood) Perry, of Keene, New Hampshire, and 
is now with his family in Europe. 

* This cause has compelled him several times afterwards to withdraw for a time 
from his ministerial duties. 



(179) 



180 



MINISTERS. 



The following are some of the printed sermons and other publi- 
cations, by Mr. Lowe. 

"Death of President Lincoln," a sermon in Charleston, South Carolina, 
April 23, 1865. 12mo. Boston. 1865. 

" The Condition and Prospects of the South," a discourse in Somerville, 
June 4, 1865. 8vo. Boston. 1865. 

A Statement in regard to the Position and Policy of the American 
Unitarian Association. 12mo. Boston. 1868. 

"Have we misrepresented Orthodoxy?" A reply to strictures in the 
Boston Eecorder and elsewhere. 12mo. Boston. 1868. 

A defence of the action of the American Unitarian Association. 12mo. 
Boston. 1870. 

Mr. Lowe became editor of "Monthly Journal," beginning with 
the number for Sept., 1865, and continued to edit it till its sus- 
pension, at the end of 1869. He also edited four ''Year Books," 
from 1868 to 1871. During the years of his connection with the 
Association, he of course wrote the Annual Reports ; which, after 
1869, were printed by themselves. There were also issued in 
pamphlet form, by the American Unitarian Association, the fol- 
lowing — the first two having been previously published in the 
" Monthly Journal" — the third having been given at the Annual 
Meeting for that year — "A Statement of the Policy of the Amer- 
ican Unitarian Association, July, 1868 ; "Have we misrepresented 
Orthodoxy?" Dec, 1868 ; " The Unitarian Position," June, 1870 ; 
" A Defence of the Action of the American Unitarian Associa- 
tion," Oct. 13, 1870. 



KEY. EDMUND B. WILLSON. 



Edmund B. Willson, son of Rev. Luther, and Sally (Bigelow) 
Willson, was born in Petersham, Aug. 15, 1820; entered Yale 
College in 1834 ; dismissed on account of sickness, Aug., 1835 ; 
studied for the ministry in the Cambridge Divinity School, gradu- 
ating in 1843 ; received the degree of A.M. from Harvard College in 
1853 ; ordained over the First Congregational Society in Grafton, 
Jan. 3, 1844 ; married Martha Anne, daughter of Stephen Buttrick 
of Framingham (granddaughter of Major John Buttrick of the 
"Concord Fight"), May 8, 1844; became pastor of the First 
Society in West Roxbury (the second church in Roxbury) , July 
18, 1852 ; installed minister of the North Society in Salem, June 
5, 1859 ; commissioned chaplain of the twenty-fourth Regiment 
of Mass. Volunteers, Oct. 21, 1863 ; joined that regiment at St. 
Augustine, Florida, Dec. 17, 1863 ; resigned at Deep Bottom, Vir- 
ginia, Jul}^ 6, 1864. 

His father, Rev. Luther Willson, son of Joseph and Sarah 
(Matthews) Willson, and grandson of Robert and Martha (Dun- 
lap) Willson, Avas born in New Braintree, Apr. 26, 1783, gradu- 
ated at Williams College in 1807 ; studied for the ministry ; and 
having been three years and a half Principal of Leicester Academ}^, 
was settled in 1813, in Brooklyn, Conn., as colleague pastor with 
Rev. Josiah Whitney, D.D., over the First Congregational Society 
in that town. When settled he was a Trinitarian in belief. Dur- 
ing the three or four years following he gave much examination to 
the doctrine of the Trinity, and having at length announced his 
conviction of the truth of the Unitarian doctrine of God, he was 

(181) 



\ 



182 MINISTERS. 

summoned by the Consociation of Windham county to answer to 
the charge of heresy. Denying the jurisdiction of that ecclesi- 
astical court, he nevertheless proposed to state and defend his 
opinions before it. The consociation proceeded to try him, as 
it claimed that it had a right to do, and pronounced his deposition 
from his office. The majority of the society adhered to him, how- 
ever, refused to acknowledge the authority of the consociation, 
and accepted his views; and when he resigned in Sept., 1817 (in 
the hope that under another minister the seceding members might 
return) he was soon succeeded by the late Rev. Samuel J. May of 
Syracuse. This was the origin of the First, and for many years 
the only. Unitarian Society in the State of Connecticut. It is 
believed to be still the only church of that faith in the state which 
maintains public worship. Mr. Willson was installed June 23, 
1819, pastor of the First Parish in Petersham, Mass., of which he 
continued the minister for more than fifteen years. He died in 
Petersham, Nov. 20, 1864. 

The following sermons and addresses of Mr. Willson have been 
published, besides occasional sermons and articles in magazines 
and newspapers. 

1. Sermon containing historical notices of the First Congregational 
Church in Grafton, preached Dec. 27, 1846. 

2. Address at consecration of Riverside cemetery, Grafton, April 29, 
1851. 

3. Sermon preached in West Roxbury, June 4, 1854, it being the Sunday 
after the return of Anthony Burns into slavery. 

4. Address delivered in Petersham, July 4, 1854, in commemoration of 
the one hundredth anniversary of the incorporation of that town. 

5. "In Memory of Christ :" A sermon preached in the North Church in 
Salem, March 4, 1860. 

6. "Reasons for Thanksgiving:" A sermon preached on a National 
Thanksgiving day at the North Church, April 20, 1862. 

7. " The Proclamation of Freedom:" A sermon preached in the North 
Church, Jan. 4, 1863. 

8. " God a Father :" A sermon preached in the North Church, Feb. 2, 
1868. 



THE FIRST MEETING HOUSE, 

17"7Q-1836, 
ON THE CORNER OF NORTH AND LYNDE STREETS. 
[Seepage 20.] 




The following papers are worthy of record, as illustrating some 
portions of the history of this Church and Parish. 

Deed of John Nutting to James Andrew and others. 

Know all Men by these Presents, that I, John Nutting of Salem, in the 
county of Essex, in the Province of the Massachusetts Bay, Esq., in con- 
sideration of one hundred and ninety five pounds, six shillings and ten 
pence, lawfull money, paid me by James Andrew, housewright ; Joseph 
Blauey, WiUiam Browne and Francis Cabot, Esq'rs ; William Clough, 

(183) 



184 



MEETING HOUSES. 



mason; Samuel Curwen, Esq., Benjamin Daland, yeoman; Andrew Dal- 
glish, merchant; Stephen Daniel, shipwright; Mary Eden, widow; John 
Felt, shoreman; Samuel Field, boat-builder; Nathaniel Foster, taylor; 
Robert Foster, blacksmith ; Weld Gardner and Henry Gardner, merchants ; 
Jona. Gavett, cabinetmaker; Samuel Holman, hatter; Edward Augustus 
Holyoke, Esq., James King, shopkeeper; William Luscomb and William 
Luscomb, Jr., and Joseph Mc'Iutire, housewrights ; David Mason, gentle- 
man ; Jonathan Mansfield, gentleman ; John Millet, cooper ; Eleazer 
Moses, sailmaker; Jeremiah Newhall, housewright; Benjamin Pickman 
and Benjamin Pickman, Jr., Esq's; Clark Gayton Pickman and William 
Pickman, merchants; Ebenezer Porter, housewright; Daniel Ropes, 
cordwainer; Samuel Symonds, Jr., shoreman; Joshua Ward, gentleman; 
Richard Ward, tanner; Miles Ward the third, glazier; Samuel West, 
gentleman; Samuel West, Jr., mariner; William West, merchant, and 
Benjamin West, mariner; all of Salem aforesaid, the receipt whereof I do 
hereby acknowledge, do hereby Give, Grant, sell and convey unto the said 
James Andrew, Joseph Blaney, Wm. Browne, Frs. Cabot, Wm. Clough, 
Samuel Curwen, Benj. Daland, Andrew Dalglish, Stephen Daniel, Mary 
Eden, Jno. Felt, Samuel Field, Nath'l Foster, Robert Foster, Weld Gard- 
ner, Henry Gardner, Jona. Gavett, Sam'l Holman, E. A. Holyoke, Jas. 
King,Wm. Luscomb, Wm. Luscomb, Jr., Joseph Mc'Intire, Jona. Mansfield, 
David Mason, Jno. Millet, Eleazer Moses, Jer'h Newhall, Benj. Pickman, 
Benj. Pickman, Jr., C. G. Pickman, W. Pickman, Eb. Porter, Dan'l Ropes, 
Samuel Symonds, Jr., Joshua Ward, Richcl. Ward, Miles Ward the third, 
Sam'l West, Sam'l West, Jr., William West and Benj. West, and their 
heirs, forty-two parts of a certain lot of land in Salem aforesaid, in forty- 
three equal parts to be divided, containing about twenty-four poles, and 
is bounded easterly on land of Abijah Northey and there measures seventy- 
five feet ; southerly, partly on land belonging to the heirs of Geo. Daland, 
deceased, and partly on land of Elizabeth Henderson, and there measures 
eighty-one feet ; westerly on an highway, and there measures seventy-nine 
feet ; and northerly on an highway, and there measures eighty-eight feet, 
with the appurtenances. To have and to hold one forty-second part of 
the premises, to the said Jas. Andrew and his heirs, one other forty-second 
part to the said Joseph Blaney and his heirs, one other forty-second part 
to the said Wm. Browne and his heirs, one other forty-second part to the 
said Francis Cabot and his heirs, one other forty-second part to the said 
Wm. Clough and his heirs, one other forty-second part to the said Samuel 
Curwen and his heirs, one other forty-second part to the said Benjamin 
Daland and his heirs, one other forty-second part to the said Andrew Dal- 
glish and his heirs, one other forty-second part to the said Daniel and his 
heirs, one other forty-second part to the said Mary Eden and her heirs, one 
other forty-second part to the said John Felt and his heirs, one other forty- 
second part to the said Sam'l Field and his heirs, one other forty-second 
part to the said Nath'l Foster and his heirs, one other forty-second part 
to the said Robert Foster and his heirs, one other forty-second part to the 



MEETING HOUSES. 



185 



said Weld Gardner and his heirs, one other forty-second part to the said 
Henry Gardner and his heirs, one other forty-second part to the said Jona. 
Gavett and his heirs, one otlier forty-second part to the said Sam'l Holraan 
and his heirs, one other forty-second part to the saidE. A, Holyolse and 
his heirs, one other forty-second part to tlie said James King and liis heirs, 
one otlier forty-second part to the said Wm. Luscomb and his heirs, one 
other forty-second part to the said Wm. Luscomb, Jr., and his heirs, 
one other forty-second part to the said Joseph Mc'Intire and his heirs, one 
other forty-second part to the said Jonathan Mansfield and his heirs, one 
other forty-second part to the said David Mason and his heirs, one other 
forty-second part to the said John Millet and his heirs, one other forty- 
second part to the said Eleazer Moses and his heirs, one other forty-second 
part to the said Jer. Newhall and his heirs, one other forty-second part 
to the said B. Pickman and his heirs, one other forty-second part to the 
said B. Pickman, Jr., and his heirs, one other forty-second part to the said 
C. G. Pickman and his heirs, one other forty-second part to the said Wm. 
Pickman and his heirs, one other forty-second part to the said Eben Por- 
ter and his heirs, one other forty-second part to the said Daniel Kopes and 
his heirs, one other forty-second part to the said Samuel Symonds, Jr., and 
his heirs, one other forty-second part to the said Josh. Ward and his heirs, 
one other forty-second part to the said Richard Ward and his heirs, one 
other forty-second part to the said Miles Ward the third and his heirs, one 
other forty-second part to the said Samuel West and his heirs, one other 
forty-second part to the said Samuel West, Jr., and his heirs, one other 
forty-second part to the said William West and his heirs, one other forty 
second part to the said B. West and his heirs, and to their use and behoof 
respectively, forever; and I do covenant with the grantees aforenamed, 
their heirs and assigns, that I am lawfully seized in fee of the premises, 
that they are free of all incuml)rances, that I have a good right to sell and 
convey the same to them, and that I will warrant and defend the same to 
the grantees aforenamed, their heirs and assigns, forever, against the law- 
ful claims and demands of all persons. 

In witness whereof I, the said John Nutting and Elizabeth my wife (in 
token of her consent hereto and in bar of her right of dower herein), have 
hereunto set our hands and seals this 14th day of Feb., Anno Domi, 1772, 
and in the twelfth year of his majesty's Reign. 

Signed, sealed, and delivered, in presence of 



The words "Jonathan Mansfield, gcntleinan," in the first page and 
"two," in the second page were interlined, before sealing. 
12 



Peter Frye. 
Russell Wyer. 



Jno. Nutting and a seal. 
Eliz. Nutting and a seal. 



186 



MEETING HOUSES. 



Essex ss. 

Salem, Febniarr 15, 1772. 
Tlien John Xuttiug, Esq., aud Eliza. Xuttiug, aboTenamed, personally 
appeared and acknowledged the aforewritten Instrument, to be their free 
Act aud Deed. 

Before Peter Erre. Justice of the Peace. 

Essex ss. 

Eeceived ouEecord Sept. 2, 1772, recorded libro 130, folio 117, etc., and 
examined. 

Attest, 

John Higgiuson. Eeg. 

BoxD OF James Axdeew axd others to JoH^" Xuttixg. 

Know all men by these presents that TVe James Andrew Housewright 
Joseph Blaney TTiliiam Browne i Erancis Cabot Esqrs TVilliam Clongh 
mason Samuel Curwen Esqr Beujamin Daland yeoman Andrew Dalglish 
merchant Stephen Daniel Shipwright Alary Eden Widow John Eelt Shore- 
man Samuel Eield Boat builder Xathauiel Eoster Tailor Eobert Eoster 
Blacksmith TTeld Gardner and Henry Gardner Merchants Jonathan Gavet 
Cabinet maker Samuel Holman Hatter Edward Augustus Holyoke Esqr 
James Eing Shop keejDer "William Luscomb & William Luscomb junr & 
Joseph Alclutire Housewrights David Mason Gentleman Jonathan Mans- 
iield Gentleman John ]\lillet Cooper Eleazer Closes Sail maker Jeremiah 
Xewhall Housewright Benjamin Pickman & Benjamin Pickman junr Esqrs 
Clark Gayton Pickman & William Pickman Merchants Ebenezer Porter 
Housewright Daniel Eopes Cordwainer Samuel Symonds junr Shoreman* 
Joshua Ward Gentleman Eichard Ward Tanner Miles Ward the third 
Housewright-^ Samuel West Gentleman Samuel West junr Alariuer William 
West Merchant and Benjamin West Mariner all of Salem in the County of 
Essex are held and <tand firmly bound & obliged unto John Xutting of 
Salem aforesaid E-qr in the full and just sum of Three hundred and 
ninety one Pounds lawful money of the Province of the Massachusetts 
Bay to be paid unto the said John Xutting, his certain attorney. Executors, 
administrators, or assigns ; To the which Payment well and truly to be 
made We bind ourselves our Heirs Executors and Administrators jointly 
& severaUy firmly by these Presents Sealed with our Seals. Dated this 
fourteenth Day of Eebruary Anno Domini one thousand seven hundred 
seventy two and in the twelfth year of his Majesty's Eeign. 

The condition of this present Obligation is such, that if the abovenamed 
Obligors their Heirs Executors, or Administrators or any of them shall &, 
do well &-trtily pay, or cause to be paid unto the above named John Xut- 
ting his Heirs Executors administrators or assigns the full sum of one 
hundred and ninety five Pounds six ShiLlings and ten Pence of like lawful 



* Overwritten, t Overwritten Glaziers. 



MEETING HOUSES. 



187 



money of the Province aforesaid with lawful Interest for the same on or 
before the fourteenth Day of February which will be in the year of our 
Lord one thousand seven hundred & seventy three without Fraud, Coven 
or further Delay then the foregoing obligation to be void and of none 
Effect ; otherwise to abide and remain in full Force and Virtue. 
Signed, Sealed & delivered 1 



in presence of us 
Russell Wyer 
William Clark 

James Andrew L. S. 

Joseph Blaney L. S. 

Willm Browne L. S. 

Francis Cabot L. S. 

William Clough L. S. 

Saml Curwen L. S. 

Benja Dalaud L. S. 

Andw Dalglish L. S. 

Stephen Daniell L. S. 

meary eden L. S. 

John Felt L. S. 

Saml Field L. S. 

Nathael Foster L. S. 

Robert Foster L. S. 

Weld Gardner L. S. 

Henry Garduer L. S- 

Jonathan Gavet L. S. 

Saml Holman L. S. 

E. A. Holyoke L. S. 

James King L. S. 



William Luscomb L. S. 
William Luscomb jr L. S. 
Joseph mackintire L. S. 
David Mason L. S. 
Jonathan mansfield L. S. 
John Millet L. S. 
Eleazer Moses L. S. 
Jeremiah Newhall L. S. 
Benj Pickman L. S. 
Benja Pickman junr L. S. 
C. G. Pickman L. S. 
Wm Pickman L. S. 
Ebener Porter L. S. 
Daniel Ropes L. S. 
Saml Symouds Jr L. S. 
Joshua Ward L. S. 
Richard Ward L. S. 
M Ward tert L. S. 
Saml West L. S. 
Saml West Jur L. S. 
Willm West L. S. 
Benj. West L. S. 



U Feby 1773 Reed 11-14-5 Interest upon the within Bond & fourteen 
Pounds fourteen shillings and eight pence of the Principal. 

17 Feby 1774. Reed 5£ IG in part of Interest by D. Ropes's note of 
Hand also 5£ 0-2 in full for Interest to the 13 Febry 1774 also 12-2 in part 
of Principal so that there is due of the Principal 180-0-0. 

Salem 21 Felny 1775 Reed of Col. Pickman four Pounds and three pence 
half penny in part for Interest to the 14 Febry Inst. 

Salem 24 Janry 177G Reed 17-4-8 in full for Interest to the 14 of Febry 
next. Salem 14 Febry 1777 Reed Interest in full to this date. 

Reed Interest to the 14 Febry 1778. 

Reed Interest to 14 Felny 1779. 

Reed : Interest in full to Febry 14th 1780. J. Nutting. 

Reed Interest in full to 14 Febry 1781. 

Reed January 22d 1782 Ten pounds &. sixteen Shillings Silver lawful 
money in full for the Interest of this Bond to tlie fourteenth day of Feb- 
ruary next — also reed one hundred & twenty Seven pounds and six Shil- 



188 



MEETma HOUSES. 



lings Silver lawful money in part of the Principal and there is now dne on 
this Bond Fifty two pounds & fourteen Shillings Silver lawful money. 
RecdPr Jno. Xutting. 

Salem May 7th 1784 Reed two years Interest for the above Sum. 

Jno. Nutting. 

Salem March 8th 1785. 

Eeed Interest for the above sum for one year. 

Reed thirtj" Eight Pounds eighteen & six pence part of Principal of the 
above-Bond. p Jno Nutting. 

Remains Thirteen Pounds fifteen Shillings & Six pence Principal. 

Reed of Mr. Rich Ward Treasurer Eleven Pounds 7-2 in a Note of Hand 
in full of the within Ballance this 6th Sept 1786. Benj. Pickman. 

Deed of Pew 60 to John Dabnet. 

Know all Men by these Presents, That we Edioard Augustus Holyoke 
Benjamin Pickman, Joseph Hiller and Jacob Ashton Esquires Samuel Hol- 
man Hatter Henry Bust merchant Miles Wa.rd junr merchant Jacob Sander- 
son cabinetmaker and Abijah Xorthey shopkeeper a Committee appointed by 
the Proprietors of the North Meetiug-House in Salem to sell and convey 
the Pews in the same House, in Consideration of Forty three Dollars and 
thirty three Cents Lawful Monet, paid us by John Dabney of Salem in the 
County of Essex bookseller the Receipt whereof we do hereby acknowl- 
edge, do hereby Give, Grant, Sell and Convey to the said John Dabney his 
Heirs and Assigns, a certain Pew on the floor of the same House, marked 
No. 60 with Appurtenances. To Have and to Hold the same to the said 
John Dabney his Heirs and Assigns; subject, nevertheless, to all legal 
Votes and Orders of the Proprietors of the Pews in the same House, made 
for the Settlement and Support of a Minister or Ministers, from Time to 
Time, as there shall be Occasion ; and also for the necessary Repairs of 
the same House ; and for the Payment of an Annuitt of five Pounds 
SIX Shillings and eight Pence, Lawful Money, to the Widow Eliza- 
beth Henderson, for and during her natural Life, and for incidental 
charges, but free of all other Incumbrances. 

In Witness whereof we have hereunto set our Hands and Seals, the 
Thirtyeth Day of 3Iarch A. D. 1796. 

Signed, sealed and delivered 1 E. A. Holyoke [L. S.] 

in presence of us 1 Benj a Pickman [L. S.] 

Wm West Jos Hiller [L. S.] 

Richard Ward J Jacob Ashton [L. S.] 

Sam'lHolman [L. S.] 
Henry Rust [L. S.] 
Miles Ward jnr [L. S.] 
Jacob Sanderson [L, S.] 
Abijah Northey [L. S.] 
Proprietors Committee. 



MEETING HOUSES. 



189 



Essex, ss. April 2d, 1796. Then Edward Augustus Holyoke, Benjamin 
Pickman Joseph Hiller Jacob Ashton Samuel Holman Henry Bust 3Iiles 
Ward Junr Jacob Sanderson and Abijah Northey abovenamed personally 
appeared and severally acknowledged the above written Instrument to be 
their Deed. 

Before BICHABD WABD, 

Justice of the peace. 



Proprietors' Meeting May 27, 1836. 
The following votes were adopted : — 

The said corporation will accept the conveyance of said New Meeting 
house and land, upon the following conditions, viz : — 

1st. That the old meeting house, land and appurtenances, the bell, organ 
and clock, shall be sold for the most the same will bring. 

2d. That the proceeds of said sale, shall be appropriated and applied as 
follows, viz : — in the first place, to the full payment and discharge of all 
the debts due from said corporation, and that the surplus shall be appor- 
tioned and divided among all the owners of pews, not held by the corpo- 
ration, upon the following appraisement, that is to say, upon the original 
valuation of said pews, as the same is and long has been used for the 
assessment of the annual tax. 

3rd. The Proprietors will occupy said New Meeting House as their 
place of worship. 

4th. That a committee of five be appointed to make sale of the property 
for the most it will bring, and to take all proper measures to carry the vote 
into eflfect; and the following named gentlemen were chosen for that pur- 
pose with authority to give a deed of the land. John G. King, Wm. H. 
Foster, Nathaniel Saltonstall, George Peabody and Emery Johnson. 

Voted, That the same committee be authorized to execute an agreement 
with the subscribers to the new house in relation to the reservation of 
the proceeds of the sale of pews in said house for reimbursing them for the 
expense of building the same. 

The old Meeting House was in accordance with the above votes, 
sold at public auction on Monday June 27, 1836, with its appen- 
dages. T. P. Pingree, Esq., bought the house for $2,32o, G. Tucker, 
Esq., bought for the New Church the organ at $600, and the bell at 
28^ cents per lb. (about $300). The clock and drapery sold for 
about $100 more. The net proceeds of the sale were divided in 
accordance with the above votes. 



THE SECOND MEETING HOUSE. 



1836 - ISrS. 




The first Meeting house was often opened for public seryices. 
On Friday, July 4, 1834, its use was granted to "the Apprentices 
of Salem" for the deliver}^ of an eulogy on Lafaj^ette by Rev. Dr. 
James Flint. Soon after the audience had assembled, a defect in 
the flooring was detected, though not of sufficient importance to 
interrupt the exercises. On the following da}^ an examination 
of the building was made, and the results communicated to the 
proprietors at a meeting held on Monday the 9th inst. ; thereupon 
(190) 



MEETING HOUSES. 



191 



a committee, Col. B. Pickman, chairman, was appointed to take 
into consideration the condition of the house, and to report at a 
future meeting. 

The first meeting of this committee was held in the house of 
the chairman, the same house (see page 154) in which the mem- 
bers of the church assembled for organization in 1772, then owned 
and occupied by the grandfather of the owner, the first Col. Ben- 
jamin Pickman. 

At a proprietors' meeting on Monday, July 21, 1834, the recom- 
mendations of the committee were adopted, that it is expedient to 
erect a new Meeting House by a subscription in shares, upon the 
basis that the subscribers are to be indemnified for the expense, 
from the proceeds of the sale of the pews in the said house, and 
the appointment of a committee to ascertain whether a suitable 
lot of land for a Meeting House can be procured at a satisfactory 
price, and also to procure subscribers for shares and to report at 
an adjournment. 

At a meeting, Thursday, July 31, 1834, in accordance with the 
recommendation of the committee it was 

Voted, That the said subscribers, with such others as may here- 
after sign the subscription paper, may purchase land and erect a 
Meeting House thereon, and may hold the pews in the same and 
sell and dispose of the same at such times, and iu such manner as 
they may think expedient to indemnify themselves for the cost and 
expense they may incur in the premises. 

At a meeting of the subscribers, Sept. 3, 1834, it was stated that 
the sum subscribed for the new church was twenty-five thousand 
dollars. A building committee was appointed, comprising Gideon 
Tucker, George Peabody, John W. Rogers, John C. Lee, George 
Wheatland, P. I. Farnham, Allen Putnam. 

The committee was authorized to purchase such parcel or parcels 
of land as may be deemed necessary, and to take a deed or deeds 
thereof in their names for the use and benefit of said association, 



192 MEETING HOUSES, 

ft 

and to make contracts for the erection of a new Meeting House of 
such materials, and in such general form and manner as may be 
agreed upon by a vote of the subscribers. At a meeting Sept. 6, 
1834, the committee reported that they had purchased land on 
Essex street of Mr. Savage, Dr. Tread well and Mr. Oliver, about 
one hundred and twelve feet on said street, and recommend the 
erection of the church with rough granite of the Gothic order, 
which they think can be done for the sum of nineteen thousand 
dollars ($19,000) exclusive of the cost of the la.nd ; the front end 
to be either of Quincy or Gloucester stone, with butts, beds and 
builds. A drawing of the front of the church was exhibited and 
the dimensions given. 

During the autumn and winter the foundation was laid. 

- Laying of the Cornee-stone. 

Saturday, May 16, 1835, the Corner-stone was laid with appro- 
priate religious services. The devotional exercises were performed 
by the Eev. Dr. Flint. Previously to the ceremony of laying the 
Corner-stone, the audience was addressed by the Pastor of the 
Church, Rev. John Brazer, as follows : — 

"We are called together my Christian brethren and friends, on an occa- 
sion of deep and solemn interest. It is to lay the Corner-stone of a new 
edifice, which is to be consecrated to the purposes of public religious 
instruction and of social worship. 

We would commence the service by invoking the blessing of Almighty 
God upon it, without whose aid all human labors are inefiectual, and all 
efforts are vain. 

We lay this Corner-stone, as those who duly estimate and value the 
public institutions of Christianity ; who believe them to be appointed and 
approved of God, and essential to the maintenance of good government, 
public peace, and social order ; and who regard them as an inestimable 
means of instruction, improvement and satisfaction to the undying soul. 

We lay this Corner-stone, as the children, subjects and worshippers of 
the one and only true God ; as the disciples of Jesus Christ, His Son (our 
Lord and Saviour) ; and as those who rely on the blessed influence of God's 
Holy Spirit, in rendering effectual upon our hearts all the means of 
religious improvement. 



MEETING HOUSES. 



193 



"We lay this Corner-stone, as the friends, assertors and defenders, of 
the great and leading principles of Protestant Christianity ; namely, the 
sufficiency of the Scriptures as the Kule of Life, and Charter of immortal 
hopes ; and of the invaluable and inalienable right of private judgment. 

We lay this Corner-stone, in a spirit of Christian Love towards all our 
Christian Brethren, of every sect and name. And while, in the language 
of the Saviour, we believe it to be "life eternal to know the only true God, 
and Jesus Christ whom he hath sent;" and while we prize our distinctive 
principles as Christians above all earthly good, yet we cheerfully accord 
to all others the rights and privileges of thinking and acting, which we 
claim in our own behalf. And our constant prayer for them, as for our- 
selves, is — that they, as well as we, may ever keep the mind open to 
further light, and fuller developments of Divine Faith. 

We lay this Corner-stone in the earnest hope that here may rise a 
temple, where we, and our children, and children's children, in a long 
succession of generations, may meet to unite in holy services ; where the 
whole "truth, as it is in Jesus," shall be "spoken in love;" and be re- 
ceived into "honest and good hearts;" where the principles of free, but 
humble and sober inquiry shall ever be maintained ; where every secret 
and every presumptuous sin shall be faithfully rebuked ; where the atten- 
tion of the thoughtless shall be arrested, the wanderer recalled, the guilty 
reclaimed, and all shall be guarded and strengthened against the tempta- 
tions of life; where pious sentiments shall be excited, pure affections 
nurtured, good resolutions formed, good purposes established, and good 
principles confirmed ; where prayers and hymns of praise shall rise from 
devout, grateful and contrite hearts, and ascend to the Father of our 
Spirits ; Avhere the Saviour's love, which was stronger than death, shall 
be gratefully commemorated, and all the sacred rites of his religion be 
duly honored and observed ; where all the consoling and sustaining influ- 
ences of the Everlasting Gospel shall be full^ realized, and tenderly felt; 
and where all persons, of every age and condition, in a continually grow- 
ing holiness, and ever increasing likeness to God, shall become, through 
his grace in Christ Jesus, prepared for that "Temple not made with 
hands," eternal in the heavens. 

We close this part of the service as we began. And devoutly and 
reuewedly imploring the favor of the Most High God upon this under- 
taking, commend it, reverentially and fervently, to His fostering and pro- 
tecting care. 

A copper box was then deposited under the Corner-stone, by 
Deacon Edward Brown. It contained the following articles. 

A silver plate, having engraved upon it the date of erection, the name 
of the pastor of the North Society, the Committee for building the churcli, 
the Carpenter, Masons, and Architect; a roll of parchment, containing a 
copy of the Kev. John Brazer's address at the laying of the Corner-stone ; 



194 



MEETING HOUSES. 



parchment, containing a list of the subscribers to the erection of the new 
church ; parchment, containing the names of all the Pastors of the North 
Society, the dates of their ordinations and deaths ; a copy of the Poly- 
glot Bible, English Version; the American Almanac and Eepository 
of Useful Knowledge, for 1835; Parmer's Almanac, 1835, by Thomas 
Spofford; Old Farmer's Almanac, 1835, by Robert B. Thomas; a Catalogue 
of the Members of the North Church, in Salem, with an Historical Sketch 
of the Church; a Discourse on the Efficacy of Prayer, by Rev. John Bra- 
zer ; a Discourse at the Interment of Dr. Holyoke, by Rev. John Brazer ; 
a Discourse at the Ordination of the Rev. A. Bigelow, by Rev. John Bra- 
zer ; an article on the Power of Unitarianism over the Affections, by Rev. 
John Brazer, and a Tract, Some Uses of Affliction, by Rev. John Brazer. 
Salem Observer, Saturday, May 9, 1835 ; Essex Register, Monday, May 
llj 1835; Essex Register, Thursday, May 14, 1835; Lighthouse, Monday, 
May 11, 1835; Salem Gazette, Tuesday, May 12, 1835; Salem Gazette, 
Friday, May 15, 1835; Commercial Advertiser, Wednesday, May 13, 1835; 
Salem Mercury, Wednesday, May 13, 1835; Landmark, Wednesday, May 
13, 1835. 

Dedication. 

The House was dedicated on Wednesday, June 22, 1836, in the 
forenoon. 

The introductory prayer was by Rev. Mr. Bartlett, of Marble- 
head, prayer of dedication by Rev. Mr. Upliam, and a dedication 
hymn by a member of the society (Jones Very) . 

We seek the truth which Jesus brought ; 

His path of light we long to tread ; 
Here be hiis holy doctrines taught, 

And here, their purest influence shed. 

May faith and hope, and love abound ; 

Our sins and errors be forgiven ; 
And we, in thy great day, be found 

Children of God, and heirs of heaven. 

To pour in music's solemn strain 

The heart's deep tide of grateful love ; 

And kindle in thine earthly fane 
A spirit for his home above. 

Thou bad'st him on thine altar lay 

The holy thought, the pure desire. 
That light within a brighter ray 

Thau sun-beam's glance, or vestal fire. 



MEETING HOUSES. 



195 



'Twill burn, when heaven's high altsix-flame 
On yon blue height hath ceased to glow ; 

And o'er dark earth's dissolving frame 
The sun-light of the spirit throw. 

Father ! within thy courts we bow, 

To ask thy blessing, seek thy grace ; 
O smile upon thy children now ! 

Look down on this, thy hallowed place. 

And when its trembling walls shall feel 

Time's heavy hand upon them rest ; 
Thy nearer presence. Lord ! reveal, 

And make thy children wholly blest. 

The sermon by the Pastor, was marked by the just and vig- 
orous thought, and the nervous and appropriate language, which 
uniformly characterized Mr. Brazer's public performances. The 
text, was from I Corinthians, chap, iii, verse 16, "Know ye not 
that ye are the temples of God." The concluding prayer was by 
Rev. Mr. Thayer of Beverly, and the benediction bj^ the Pastor. 

Subscribers to the New Building. 
List of names of the subscribers, to build a stone church, 248 



shares. Amount $24,800. 








Catherine Andrew, 


.$800 


Caleb Foote, 


$100 


John P. Andrews, 


100 


James D. Gillis, . 


200 


Nancy Andrews, . 


300 


Nancy D. Gay, 


300 


James N. Archer, 


100 


Chas. Hoffman, 


200 


Thos. P. Bancroft, 


200 


F. Howes and Miss Burley, 


900 


Gideon Barstow, . 


500 


Oliver Hubbard, , 


400 


Timo. Brooks, 


100 


William Ives, 


100 


Geo. C. Chase, . 


100 


Emery Johnson, . 


300 


James W. Chever, 


150 


E. K. Lakeman, 


300 


Amos Choate, 


400 


Asa Lamson, Jr., . 


100 


Francis Choate, . 


200 


John C. Lee, . . . . 


1,000 


Thomas Cole, 


100 


Daniel Lord, 


100 


Samuel Cook, 


150 


Nath. J. Lord, 


100 


David Cummins, . 


GOO 


John H. Nichols, . 


100 


Aaron Eudicott, . 


100 


Nath. W. Osgood, 


100 


Nathan Endicott, . 


400 


Eebecca Osgood, . 


200 


P. 1. Farnliara, 


GOO 












$9,400 



196 


MEETING 


HOUSES. 






5s9 400 


A I'pTi T? pa 

xxxv^ii* j.v^uj, • • • 


• «p 0\JU 


Ed-W. H. Paj'SOD, . 


100 


.Tf^lin VV TJactpvc 

tJyJllLL TV • Xijw^v^lo, • • 


• ( u u 


Eriiiicis Peabody, • 


500 


^ T, Rno"pr«! 


400 




500 


T fivprptt. SnlfniTafnll 






3.500 


IVath Saltonstflll 


500 


.Tospnh Ppahodv 


400 


"Rhpn Shillflhpr 


100 


^ntVi T-'PM]~>nr1 V 


100 


.Tp5;«;p Sm it'll -Tr 


100 


Tlpni yiptrnflii 


2,000 


"Rpni AV Stmip 


200 


D. L. Pickmau, 


. 1,800 


Chas. Treadwell, . 


200 


L. Rawlius Pickmau, 


300 


Gideon Tucker, 


400 


Wm. Pickman, 


. 1,200 


Ichabod Tucker, . 


500 


P. P. Pinel, . 


200 


Stephen Webb, 


100 


Allen Putnam, 


300 


Geo. Wheatland, . 


400 








#24,800 



Sale of Peays, etc. 

At a Meeting of the subscribers to the New Church, June 11, 
1836, 

Voted, The Trustees (Gideon Tucker, John W. Rogers and John C. 
Lee,) be authorized to convey the Meeting House and land to the North 
Society on the above named conditions. 

Voted, That the power to sell the pews be vested in the Trustees. 

Voted, That the Trustees be authorized to purchase the organ and bell 
together with any article of furniture in the old church, they shall deem 
expedient. 

In the afternoon of the day of the dedication, fifty-one of the 
pews were sold at public auction for upwards of $4,000 more 
than their appraisement. The whole amount of sales was about 
$20,000. The highest sum for a choice was $370. 

Cost or the New House. 
Memorandum of cost of North Stone Church. 



The Building, $22,494 33 

Laud, 6,758 98 

Organ, $706 50 

Bell, 342 25 

Furniture, 909 21 

Fence, Stone Posts, Paving, etc., . . 1,157 34 

Yard, Trees, etc., 140 75 

3.256 05 



$33,509 36 



PROrRIETORS OF FIRST HOUSE. 



197 



Vestry. 

In accordance with the desire of the pastor, a considerable 
sum having been obtained by a subscription, the proprietors, at the 
annual meeting, April 26, 1853, granted an appropriation in aid 
of the erection of a wooden building, on land north of the church, 
to accommodate the Sunday School, and for other purposes. The 
building was erected during the summer of 1853, and when ready 
for occupancy, the rooms, previously used, in the basement of 
the church, were vacated, not being considered suitable. 



PUOrRIETORS AND OCCUPANTS OF PEWS IN THE 
FIRST MEETING HOUSE. 

The following names were obtained from an examination of lists 
of the proprietors or occupants of pews, in the years 1772-1802- 
1820-1829 and 1836, which have come into our possession. A 
very large portion of the heads of families that were wont to 
worship in the first house are included in this enumeration, al- 
though many who were connected with the society for short 
periods, during the intervals between the above named dates, are 
unavoidably omitted. 

1. Abbot, George, son of George and Hannah (Lovejoy) Abbot, b. at 
Andover, Feb. 9, 1748; d. at Salem, Oct. 5, 1784; m. Feb. 22, 1772, Pris- 
cilla, dau. of Dr. Joseph and Eliza (Boardmau) Manning of Ipswich; 
she d. at Salem, March, 1804. A trader. He was one of the volunteers 
of the Rhode Island Expedition, in 1778. 

2. Andrew, Jamp:s, son of William Andrew, b. in Salem village, North 
Danvers; bapt. June 25, 1732; m. Mary Glover of Salem in 1758, who 
d., July, 1821, aged 83; d. in Salem, New Hampshire, Jan., 1820. A 
housewright. 

3. Andrews, Joseph, son of James and Mary (Glover) Andrews, b. at 
Salem, July 1, 1773; d. Aug. 13, 1824; m. May 14, 1797, Mary Bell of 
Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Merchant. 



198 



PROPRIETORS or FIRST HOUSE. 



4. Andrews, John Hancock, son of James and Mary (Glover) Andrews, 
h. at Salem, July 8, 1776; d. Aug. 5, 1832; m. Nancy, dau. of Samuel and 
Rebecca Page of Danvers, who d. Aug. 19, 1852, aged 70. Merchant. 

5. Andrew, John, son of John and Elizabeth (Watson) Andrew, b. at 
Salem, July 9, 1774; d. July 7, 1829; m. Sept. 30, 1804, Catherine, dau. of 
Simon and Rachel (Hathorne) Forrester (b. March. 7, 1780; d. July 14, 
1845). Merchant in Salem. For several years he had resided in Russia, 
a commission merchant. 

6. Andrews, Ferdinand, son of Ephraim and Lucy (Lane) Andrews of 
Hingham, b. May 20, 1802; m. April 7, 1825, Elizabeth, dau. of John and 
Betsey (Putnam) Derby of Salem (b. July 16, 1804). A printer, formerly 
conducted the "Salem Gazette," also, the "Landmark" at Salem. Re- 
sided since in Boston, Lancaster and Washington, D. C 

,7. Andrews, Nehemiah, b. Feb., 1753; d. Feb. 16, 1800; m. Aug. 7, 
1772, Catherine Seamore (b. Jan., 1749; d. March 23, 1802). Master 
mariner. 

8. Andrews, Daniel, son of Nehemiah and Catherine (Seamore) An- 
drews, b. Sept. 23, 1779; d. Dec. 20, 1820; m. Sept. 20, 1807, Esther Holt 
(b. Dec. 9, 1781, for many years after the death of her husband a school 
teacher, in the eastern section of the city). A master mariner. 

9. Andrews, Nehemiah, son of Nehemiah and Catherine (Seamore) 
Andrews, b. Dec. 9, 1781; d. Nov., 1820, aged 40. Master mariner. 

10. Archer, Samuel, son of Samuel and Dorothy (Ropes) Archer, b. 
April 1, 1742; d. Oct. 19, 1825; m. Aug. 31, 1762, Mary Woodvvell; 2d, 
May 13, 1813, Mary Buffton; he was a hardware dealer and had his shop 
on the north side of Old Paved street, near 252 Essex street. 

11. Archer, John, carpenter; d. Dec. 27, 1829 (aged 71). 

12. Archer, James, m. June 27, 1790, Priscilla, dau. of Daniel and Pris- 
cilla (Lambert) Ropes (b. Jan. 4, 1765; d. Apr. 24, 1843); he died Nov., 
1802, aged 40. 

13. Archer, James Norris, son of James and Priscilla (Ropes) Archer, 
bapt. July 26, 1801; d. at Salem, May 7, 1852, aged 51; m., 1st, Sarah, 
dau. of Jacob Lee ; 2d, Charlotte Baker. Auctioneer and commission 
merchant. 

14. AsHTON, Jacob, son of Jacob and Mary (Ropes) Ashton, b. Sept. 5, 
1744; gr. Harv. Coll. 1766; d. Dec. 28, 1829; m. May 16, 1771, Susanna, 
dau. of Richard and Hannah (Hubbard) Lee (b. Apr. 15, 1747; d. Apr. 21, 
1817). A merchant; for many years President of Salem Marine Insurance 
Company. 

15. Balch, Benjamin, son of William and Rebecca (Bailey) Balch, and 
grandson of Rev. William Balch, who settled over the Church and Society 
of East Bradford as their first minister, in 1728 ; b. in East Bradford, Nov. 
9, 1774, came to Salem, July 13, 1796; m. Dec. 4, 1800, Lois, dau. of Wil- 
liam Phippen. (No. 207). d. June 6, 1860. A watchmaker. 

16. Bacon, Jacob (Dr.) d. July, 1816, aged 65. His wife Sarah., d. 
Apr. 17, 1785, aged 41. m. Sept. 16, 1790, Sarah Adams. 



PROPKIETORS OF FIRST HOUSE. 



199 



17. Bancroft, Thomas Poynton, son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Ives) 
Bancroft, b, at Salem, Dec. 20, 1798; d. at New Orleans, March 16, 1852; 
m. Dec. 9, 1822, Hannah, dau. of Samuel (No. 228.) and Sarah (Gool) Put- 
nam (b. June 21, 1799; d. Aug. 4, 1872). Merchant in Salem and Boston. 

18. Barnard, Edward, sou of Kev. Edward and Sarah (Gary) Barnard, 
of Haverhill, b. at Haverhill, Sept. 28, 1755; gr. Harv. Goll. 1774; d. Dec. 
13, 1822; m. in 1780, Judith, dau. of Benjamin and Elizabeth Herbert of 
Salem; she d. July 31, 1845, aged 90. An apothecary. 

19. Barnard, Edward, sou of Edward and Judith (Herbert) Barnard, 
b. at Salem, and d. Dec. 12, 1859, aged 77; ra. May 4, 1808, Elizabeth 
Martin; 2d, Julia Ryan. Master mariner, 

20. Barstow, Gideon, son of Gideon and Anna (Mead) Barstow, b. at 
Mattapoiset, Sept. 7, 1783; d. in St. Augustine, Fla., where he had gone 
for his health, March 26, 1852; m. Nancy, dau. of Simon and Rachel 
(Hathorne) Forrester, who now resides in Boston. He was first a prac- 
tising physician, afterwards a merchant in Salem; member of both 
branches of Massachusetts Legislature, Representative to Congress, 
1821-3. 

21. Bartoll, Samuel, Revolutionary Pensioner, an orna- 
mental painter, etc., d. Jan. 24, 1835, aged 70. Hannah, widow, d. March 
9, 1836, aged 78. 

22. Barton, Caleb, son of Joseph and Mary (Wescott) Barton, b. June 
2, 1775 ; d. at Salem, Sept. 5, 1820 ; m. Rachel Thompson of Chester, N. 
H. (d. at Salem, March 20, 1822, aged 45). An inuholder, kept Salem 
Hotel, he was commander of the Essex Hussars. 

23. Barton, Jabez W. son of Caleb and Rachel (Thompson) Barton, b. 
in Chester, Vt., Sept. 20, 1802; m. Rebecca F. Rogers of Billerica. Inn- 
holder, succeeded his father in the Salem Hotel ; afterwards moved to 
Boston and had charge of several of the leading hotels. 

24. Blaney, Joseph, son of Joseph and Elizabeth Blauey, b. at Marble- 
head, Feb. 12, 1730; gr. Harv. Coll. 1751; m. May 19, 1757, Abigail, dau. 
of Samuel and Catherine (Wiuthrop) Browne of Salem (b. April 27, 1735; 
d. Dec. 22, 1776). After his marriage he removed to Salem. A merchant, 
and for many years one of the Selectmen; d. at Salem, June, 1786. 

25. Bott, James, a native of Tudbury, England, came to this country 
before the Revolution and settled in Salem. A chaise and harness maker, 
shop north side of Essex near Beckford street; ra., 1st, Dolly Newhall of 
Lynnfield; 2d, Ruth Hathorne of Salem; 3rd, Phebe Newhall, of Lynn- 
field. He died Dec. 30, 1829. 

26. Bray, Daniel, son ol Daniel and Mary (Ingalls) Bray, m. Mavy 
Hodgdon, who d. Oct. 9, 1852, aged 71 ; he d. Feb. 24, 1850, aged 72. A 
master mariner. 

27. Briggs, Cornelius, son of William and Mary (Copeland) Briggs, 
b. at Scituate Mass. Aug. 2, 1776, came to Salem in 1793; m. Oct. 28, 
1807, Nancy, dau. of Samuel and Desire (Foster) Tucker; she d. May 15, 
1862, aged 78; he d. Sept. 12, 1838, at Salem. A shipwright. 



200 



PROPRIETORS OF FIRST HOUSE. 



28. Briggs, Elijah, son of William and Mary (Copeland) Briggs, b. in 
Scituate, Mass., July 17, 1762; m. Aug. 6, 1789, Hannah, dau. of James 
and Prudence (Proctor) BufRugton of Salem (b. Jan. 30, 1767; d. May 
29, 1847) ; he d. in Salem, Aug. 24, 1838. A shipwright. 

29. Briggs, Lemuel, son of William and Mary (Copeland) Briggs, b. in 
Scituate, March 25, 1765 ; d. at Salem, Sept. 25, 1844, aged 79 ; m. May 
26, 1793, widow Elizabeth Wymau (b. Jan. 12, 1767; d. Oct. 1806); 
m., 2d, Dec. 31, 1807, Phebe, dau. of John and Phebe (Tidd) Wright, 
(b. July 20, 1764; d. Aug. 24, 1844), aged 80. A ship carpenter. 

30. Bright, Jonathan, upholsterer; d. June 1817, aged 49. 

31. Brookhouse, Robert, son of Robert and Elizabeth (Reeves) Brook- 
house, b. Dec. 8, 1779; m., 1st, Martha Farley; m., 2d, Eliza W. Grafton; 
m., 3rd, Mary Follansbee; d. June 10, 1866. Merchant. 

32. Brooks, Timothy, son of Timothy and Abigail Brooks, m. Feb., 
1809, Mary King Mason; d. March 2, 1862. aged 75. A grocer. 

33. Brown, Abraham, a brother of Thomas. (No. 36.) 

34. Brown, Bartholomew, Jr. son of Bartholomew and Sarah (Rea) 
Brown; bapt. Jan'y 27, 1750, at the Salem village (Danvers) ; m. Mehit- 
able Flint; d. in Salem, Nov. 10, 1805. Honsewright. 

35. Brown, Edward, son of Thomas and Elizabeth Brown, b. at Wen- 
ham, April 8, 1756; m. Catherine (b. 1760; d. Feb. 10, 

1831), aged 71 years. A carpenter. He d. June 10, 1844, aged 88. 

36. Brown, Thomas, m. July 2, 1769, Margaret Skerry. A carpenter, 
d. July 1793, aged 46. 

37. Browne, William, son of Samuel and Catherine (Wintbrop) 
Browne, gr. Harv. Coll. 1755; m. in 1774, Ruth, dau. of Gov. Wanton 
of Rhode Island. A judge of the Supreme Court, a colonel of the Essex 
Regiment, left in 1775; a refugee. Governor of Bermuda in 1782; d. 
in London, England, Feb. 13, 1802, aged 65. 

38. Bryant, Timothy, son of Timothy and Rebecca Bryant, b. at 
Cambridge; m. Sept. 10, 1786, Lydia Brookhouse, who d. Dec. 7, 1844, 
aged 76. Master mariner, he d. at Salem, Apr. 3, 1838. 

39. Buffington, James, son of James and Prudence (Proctor) BufRug- 
tou, m. Abigail Osborn March 31, 1798; d. at Newmcrket, N. H., on a 
visit, April 28, 1838, aged 67. A master mariner. 

40. Buffum, James R., a bookseller for many years in Salem ; ra. Susan 
Mansfield; d. Feb. 12, 1863, aged 68 years. 

41. Burchmore, Zachariah, son of Zachariah and Mary (Leach) Burch- 
more, m. Sarah Daniels, Jan. 8, 1770; d. May 15, 1807, aged 64. Master 
mariner and merchant, widely known, and greatly respected. 

42. Burchmore, Hannah L., dau. of Zachariah and Sarah (Daniels) 
Burchmore, d. Aug. 8, 1843, aged 57. Unmarried. 

43. Burnham, John, son of John and Elizabeth (McTutire) Burnham, 
b. Nov. 19, 1800; m. Jan. 17, 1826, Sophia Jane Felton of Lynnfleld; 
(J. . A master mariner. 

44. Cabot, Francis, son of John and Anna (Orne) Cabot, married, 



PROPRIETORS OF FIRST HOUSE. 



201 



June 20, 1745, Mary Fitch, of Portsmouth, N. H., she d. June 15, 1756; m. 
2cl, Mrs. Elizabeth Gardner, who d. June 14, 1785, aged 68. He d. April 
13, 1786. An eminent merchant in Salem. 

45. Cabot, William, son of Francis and Mary (Fitch) Cabot, bapt. May 
3, 1752; d. unmarried at Cambridgeport, Mass., Oct. 22, 1828, aged 76. 

46. Carnes, Jonathan, son of John and Hannah Carnes, bapt. May 29, 
1757; d. Dec. 10, 1827. Master mariner, one of the earliest navigators 
from Salem to the East Indies; m. April 26, 1784, Eebecca, dan. of Wm. 
(No. 280) and Mary (Clark) Vans, who d. Nov. 9, 1846, aged 83. 

47. Chadwick, Gilbert, b. at Boxford, Oct. 2, 1748; d. at Salem, Nov. 
10, 1829, aged 82. Butcher in Salem. 

48. Chadwick, John, son of Gilbert(No. 47) and Elizabeth (Kimball) 
Chadwick, d^May 11, 1868, aged 77 years; m. June 10, 1824, Elizabeth W. 
dan. of Israel and Elizabeth (Waite) Williams, who d. Oct. 15, 1870, aged 
72 years. For many j^ears cashier of Exchange Bank. 

49. Chandler, John, b. March 25, 1752; d. March 4, 1821; m. Sarah 
Dodge, (b. July 16, 1753; d. Sept. 11, 1835). An officer of the Revolution. 
Housewright. 

50. Chandler, Joseph Dodge, son of John and Sarah (Dodge) Chand- 
ler, b. at Salem, March 14, 1789; m. Mary Mc'Donald, June 12, 1827; d. 
May 17, 1861. Druggist and Grocer. 

51. ChaPxMan, Benjamin, son of Isaac and Hannah (Dean) Chapman, 
bapt. April 8, 1739; m. 1st, Sarah Bufflngton; 2d, Sarah Henderson; d. 
about 1783. A mariner. 

52. Chapman, George, son of Isaac and Hannah (Dean) Chapman, bapt. 
July 26, 1741; m. Nov. 1, 1762, Lydia, dan. of Edmund and Lydia (Hardy) 
Henfield (b. Dec. 28, 1745; d. March. 8, 1830). In early life actively 
engaged in maritime pursuits. In 1798 appointed tlrst keeper of lights on 
Baker's Island and continued 17 years. Died March 20, 1824, aged 84. 

53. Chase, George C, son of Henry and Betsey (Abbot) Chase, b. at 
Salem, May 2, 1803; m. Mary, dan. of Daniel Bray, Jr. (No. 26). Agent 
Forest River Lead Company in Salem. 

54. Choate, Amos, son of Stephen Choate of Ipswich, m., 1st, Lucy 
dau. of Aaron and Lucy (Baker) Smith of Ipswich ; she died Jan. 12, 
1833, aged 52; 2d, Mehitable, dau. of Jonathan and Mehitable (Eden) 
Neal of Salem, who d. Oct. 20, 1856, aged 73. JNIerchant; for many years 
Register of Deeds of Essex; d. at Salem, Aug. 7, 1844, aged 69. 

55. Chl^rchh.l, Benjamin Kixg, son of Joseph and Ann (Northey) 
Churchill, b. in Kennebunk, Me., July 13, 1774; d. at Hamlet, R. I., 
April 24, 1858, aged 83; m. 1st, Clarissa Eaton; 2d, March 3, 1822, Eliza, 
dau. of Samuel Ilolinan (No. 134) and widow of Henry L. Norris; lived 
in Salem many years. A master mariner. 

56. Cleveland, Chap.les, son of Aaron and Abiah (Hyde) Cleveland, b. 
June 21, 1772 ; \n. Mehitable. dau. of John Treadwell (No. 271). Merchant 
in Salem, afterwards, many years the venerable city missionary of Bos- 
ton; d. in Boston, June 5, 1872. 

13 



202 



rROPRIETOES OF FIRST HOUSE. 



57. Clough, W1LTJA.M, a mason; m. widow Margery Mansfield. 

58. CLOUTMAisr, Joseph, son of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Frye) Clout- 
man, b. Dec. 31, 1796; m. Oct. 12, 1824, Lydia L., dau. of William Eich- 
ardson. Trader, afterwards town and city clerk, from 1833 to 1863 ; he d. 
March 10, 1872. 

59. Cloutman, Robert F., brother of the preceding, m. June 23, 1811, 
Mary Ann Fenno, who d. May, 1813, aged 23; he d. at Charleston, S. C, 
Feb. 2, 1821, aged 35. Hardware dealer. 

60. Cole, Thomas, sou of Jonathan and Hannah (Palfrey) Cole, b. in 
Boston, Dec. 24, 1779 ; gr. Harv. Coll. 1798 ; m. 1st, Hannah L. Cogswell 
of Ipswich; m. 2d, Nancy D. Gay of Salem; came to Salem in 1808, and 
was, many years, a successful teacher; d. June 24, 1852. 

61. Converse, Joshua, yeoman and victualler ; his widow Mary, d. Jan. 
1822, aged 81. 

62. Cook, Jonathan, son of Jonathan Cook, bapt. June 16, 1751; d. 
1803. A shoresman. 

63. Cook, Samuel, son of Samuel and Abigail Cook, bapt. Sept. 18, 
1737; d. Dec. 1813, aged 80. Mariner. 

64. Cook, Samuel, son of Stephen and Elizabeth (Newhall) Cook, m. 
Nov. 9, 1800, Sarah, dau. of James and Sarah (Brown) Chever; d. Dec. 
10, 1861, aged 92. Master mariner, merchant. 

65. Creamer, Bex.jamtnt, son of Dr. Edward and Eunice (Daland) 
Creamer, b. at EooLhbay, Me., May 11, 1794; m. May 1, 1821, Ann M. 
dau. of Capt. James and Mary (Doyle) Brace. Merchant ; d. May 21, 1854. 

66. Cummins, David, son of David and Mehitable (Cave) Cummins, b. 
at Topsfleld, Aug. 14, 1785 ; read law with S. Putnam (No. 228) began 
to practise in Salem in 1809; removed after many years to Springfield, 
thence to Dorchester, where he d. March 30, 1855 ; judge of C. C. P. from 
1828 to death; m. 1st, Sally, dau. of Daniel Porter of Topsfield ; 2d, Cathe- 
rine, and 3rd, Maria Franklin, dans, of Dr. Thomas Kittredge of Audover. 

67. CuRWEN, Samukl, son of Rev. George and Mehitable CParkman) 
Curwen, b. Dec. 17, 1715; gr. Harv. Coll. 1735; m. May, 1750, Abigail, 
dau. of Hon. Daniel Russell of Charlestown. Judge of admiralty, mer- 
chant, refugee from May 12, 1775, to Sept., 1784; d. at Salem, April, 1802. 

68. CusHiNG, Mrs. Sarah, dau. of Richard and Mehitable (Curwen) 
Ward, b. Aug. 1, 1769; m. James Gushing of Sanbornton, N. H., Dec. 1, 
1793 (b. March 9, 1765; d. Sept. 7, 1796, at Alexandria. Merchant). 
She d. at New Brighton, Staten Island, N. Y., June 9, 1862. 

69. Gushing, Isaac, son of Dea. Isaac and Mary (Jones) Gushing of 
Hingham, b. in that town, Aug. 16, 1779 ; m. at Hingham, May 25, 1815, 
Elizabeth Shute, dau. of Dr. Daniel and Betsey (Gushing) Shute of Hing- 
ham (b. Oct. 9, 1791; d. at Fitcliburg, April 28, 1852). They resided in 
Salem about ten years. He was a bookbinder, afterwards removed to 
Fitchburg where he d. Feb. 7, 1836, aged 56. 

'70. Gushing, Thomas C, son of Benjamin and Ruth (Groade) Gushing 
of Hingham, m. 1st, Sarah Dean of Salem ; 2d, Rachel Andrew of Hing- 



PEOPRIETORS OF FIRST HOUSE. 



203 



ham; d. Sept. 28, 1824, aged 60; came to Salem and established a paper 
with John Dabney (No. 71) under the title of Salem Mercury; 1st number 
issued Oct. 14, 1786; the name was changed in 1790, to that of Salem 
Gazette ; also a bookseller, firm of Gushing and Appleton. 

71. Dabney, John, son of Gharles and Elizabeth (Gardner) Dabney, b. 
at Boston, July 31, 1752; m. Abigail, dau. of Jonathan and Margaret 
rMason) Peele (b. Nov. 1, 1767; d. Sept. 17, 1834). Printer, booliseller, 
and for more than twenty years postmaster of Salem; d. Oct. 11, 1819. 

72. Daland, Tucker, son of John and Betsey (Tucker) Daland, m. 1st, 
Eliza, dau. of Thomas Whittredge (No. 303) ; 2d, Eliza, dau. of James 
Silver; d. May 31, 1858, aged 63 years. Merchant in Salem. 

73. Dalgleisch, Andrew, a merchant ; a refugee in the Kevolution. 

74. Daniels, David, son of Asa and Bathsheba (Fairbanks) Daniels, 
b. at Medway, Nov. 25, 1757 ; gr. Harv. Coll. 1776 ; m. Betsey, dau. of 
Robert and Elizabeth (Proctor) Shillaber of Danvers. Studied divinity, 
preached a short time, but relinquished the profession on account of his 
health, afterwards engaged in trade; d. at Danvers, Dec. 16, 1827. 

75. Daniels, Stephen, son of Stephen and Margaret Daniels, d. March 
1805, aged 88. Shipwright. 

76. Davidson, Moses, b. in Newburyport; m. Martha Ann Marsh of 
Amesbury. Carriage painter, resides at 20 Albion street, Salem. 

77. Dean, George, son of John and Rebecca (Bowers) Dean, b. Nov. 
2, 1777 ; m. Judith, dau. of Enos Briggs ; d. March 12, 1831. A trader, 
colonel of Salem Regiment of Infantry. 

78. Dewing. Josiah, d. April, 1787. A victualler. 

79. Dodge, Betsey W., dau. of Samuel and Sally (Pedrick) Waite, m. 
John Dodge, son of Joshua and Elizabeth (Crowninshield) Dodge, a 
merchant, and captain of the Salem Cadets, who d. June, 1820, aged 36 ; 
d. June 25, 1829, aged 42. 

79a. Driver, Stephen, son of Stephen' and Sara Driver, m Ruth Met- 
calf, who d. Aug. 22, 1837, aged 67 ; d. March 24, 1850, aged 78. Cord- 
wainer. 

80. Dutch, Daniel, b. at Ipswich; m. 1st, Sarah Dodge; 2d, Mrs. 
Lucy Stan if ord; d. Oct. 15, 1851, aged 86. For many years a deputy 
sheriff. 

81. Eden, Mary, dau. of John and Mary (Dean) West, bapt. March 12, 
1727; m. 1st, Aug. 9, 1745, John Beadle; 2d, July 11, 1751, Capt. Thomas 
Eden, who d. July 1, 1768, aged 45; she d. Aug., 1789. 

82. Endicott, Aaron, son of Joseph and Sarah (Hathorne) Eudicott, 
b. at Danvers, Sept. 12, 1779; m. Hannah Osgood of Salem; d. August 
6, 1853, at Salem. Master mariner. 

83. Endicott, Charles Moses, son of Moses and Anna (Towne) Endi- 
cott, b. at Danvers Dec. 6, 1793; received a mercantile education, super- 
cargo in the East India trade. President of the East India Marine Society, 
Cashier of Salem Bank ; m. Sarah R. dau. of Samuel and Sarah (Purbeck") 
Blythe; d. at Northampton, Dec. 15, 1863. 



204 



PROPEIETOKS OF FIRST HOUSE. 



84. Endicott, Nathan, son of Moses and Anna (Towne) Endicott, b. 
at Danvers, Sept. 19, 1790; captain and supercargo, principally in the Rus- 
sian trade; President of the Oriental Insurance Co.; m. Margaret 0. 
Hicks of Boston; d. August 30, 1857. 

85. Endicott, Samuel, s'on of John and Martha (Putnam) Endicott, 
b. in Danvers, June 1763; m. Elizabeth, dan. of William Putnam of Ster- 
ling ; d. May 1, 1828. Master mariner and merchant. 

86. Endicott, Timothy, son of John and Martha (Putnam) Endicott, 
b. July 27, 1785; m. Harriet Martin of Sterling; d. at Sterling. 

87. EusTis, Joshua, b. June 15, 1758; m., Lydia, dan. of William and 
Mary (Waters) Shillaber of Danvers; d. July 22, 1822. A trader in 
Salem. 

88. Fabens, Benjamin, son of William (jSTo. 89) and Rebecca (Gray) 
Eabeus, b. Sept. 9, 1785; m. 1st, Hannah Stone; 2d, Mary Tay; d. May 
24, 1850. A merchant. 

89. Eabens, William, son of James and Sarah (Henderson) Eabens, m. 
Rebecca Gray, who d. Nov. 11, 1837, aged 75 ; d. April 10, 1828. Merchant. 

90. Eabens, William, son of William (No. 89) and Rebecca (Gray) 
Fabens, b. Dec. 1, 1782; m. Sarah Brown; d. Jan. 2, 1834. Master 
mariner and merchant. 

91. Farless, Thomas, son of Thomas and Sally (Cook) Earless, b. June 
11, 1787; m. Eliza Conant; d. August 21, 1864. Rigger. 

92. Faiinha:m, Putnam I., son of James and Rebecca (Ingalls) Farn- 
ham, b. in North Audover, Mass., Mtirch 10, 1788; m. Rebecca Ingalls of 
Merrimack, N. H. ; came to Salem in 1813 and for many years was a 
prominent merchant; removed to Roxbury in October 1848, where he d. 
Nov. 25, 1852. 

93. Felt, John, son of Jonathan and Hannah (Silsbee) Felt; m. 1st, 
Deborah Skerry ; m. 2d, widow Catherine Turner ; d. in 1785. Shoresman. 

93a. Felt, John, son of John (No. 93) and Deborah (Skerry) Felt, b. 
Sept. 16, 1754; m. July 13, 1780, Mary Porter (h. Jan. 25, 1762; d. Dec. 
27, 1817) ; d. Sept. 12, 1796. A master mariner. 

94. Felt, Joseph. 

95. Felt, Joseph, Jr., son of John (No. 93) and Catherine Felt, m. 
Dec. 29, 1795, Sarah, dau. of Elisha and Sarah Bradish, who d. Jan. 20, 
1845, aged 77; d. May 30, 1832, aged 73. Farmer. 

96. Felt, Ephraim, son of John (No. 93a) and Mary (Porter) Felt, b. 
Feb. 16, 1795; m. Eliza, dau. of George Ropes; d. Dec. 7, 1872. 

97. Field, Samuel, son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Dean) Field, bapt. 
April 30, 1732; m. Priscilla Ingalls of Marblehead; d. Nov. 3, 1786, aged 
54. A boatbuilder and merchant. 

98. Field, Stephen, m. Sally Hovey; d. Jan. 15, 1844, aged 72. A 
master mariner. 

99. Forrester, Simon, son of Thomas and Elinor (Haley) Forrester, 
b. May 10, 1748; came to Salem from Ireland April 17, 1765; m. Rachel 
Hathorne; d. July 4, 1817. A successful and wealthy merchant. 



PEOPRIETORS OF FIRST HOUSE. 



205 



100. Forrester, John, son of Siraoa (No. 99) and Eachel (Hathorne) 
Forrester, b. Oct. 3, 1781 ; gr. Harv. Coll. 1801 ; m. Charlotte, dau. of 
Elisha and Mehitable (Pedricke) Story of Marbleliead; d. July 25, 1837. 
Merchant. 

101. Foster, John, son of Robert Foster, (No. 102) b. 1770; ra. Mary, 
dau. of Z. Burchraore (No. 41) ; d. April 1821. Master mariner. 

102. Foster, Robert, son of Caleb and Abigail (Gould) Foster, b. in 
Salem, March 11,1742; m. 1st, Mary Procter ; 2d, Mrs. Sarah Putnam; 3d, 
Mrs. Lucy Woodman ; d. Aug. 12, 1814. First Master of Essex Lodge of 
F. and A. Masons. Blacksmith. 

103. Foster, Nathaniel, son of Nathaniel and Sarah (Daland) Foster, 
bapt. Nov. 7, 1742; m. Elizabeth, dau. of Nathaniel Yell; d. April 29, 
1773, aged 32. 

104. Foster, William H., son of John (No. 101) and Mary (Burch- 
more) Foster, Cashier of Asiatic National Bank, Salem. 

105. Frost, John, son of John and Lucy (Lowe) Frost, b. at Danvers, 
Dec. 22, 1786 ; m. 1st, Lucy Frye, dau. of Daniel (No. 106) ; d. Sept. 27, 
1824, aged 37; 2d, Hannah BuflSngton, dau. of James (No. 39). A master 
mariner and merchant. 

106. Frye, Daniel, son of William Frye, b. in Andover 1757 ; m. Pru- 
dence, widow of James BufHngton. For many years kept a tayern in 
Salem; d. Nov. 1813. 

107. Frye, Nathan, son of William, b. in Andover Jan. 10, 1755; m. 
Hannah Nutting; d. Jan. 10, 1810. A distiller in Salem. 

107a. Frye, Joseph S., son of William and Sarah (Marshall) Frye, b. at 
Danvers, Jan. 10, 1802 ; m. May 8, 1825, Hannah, dau. of John and Huldah 
Parsons of Gilmanton, N. H. (b. Jan. 23, 1805). Superintends a bark 
grinding mill, Goodhue street, Salem. 

108. Fuller, Elijapi, son of Rev. Daniel and Hannah (Bowers) Fuller, 
b. in Gloucester. 1778; m. 1st, Mary Phippen, dau. of William (No. 207): 
2d, Harriet Symonds ; d. Sept. 22, 1852. Tinplate worker. His father for 
fifty years was the beloved pastor of the cburch in West or 2d Parish, 
Gloucester. 

109. Gardner, Henry, son of Samuel and Esther (Orne) Gardner, b. 
Oct. 17, 1747, gr. Harv. Coll. 1765; m. Sarah, dau. of John Turner. For 
many years a merchant in Salein; retired afterwards to Maiden where he 
died Nov. 8, 1817. 

.110. Gardner, Weld, son of Samuel and Esther (Orne) Gardner, b. 
Dec. 3, 1745; d. Nov. 6, 1801. Merchant. 

111. Gavett, Jonathan, son of Joseph and Mary (Williams) Gavctt, b. 
July 3, 1731; ra. 1st, Sarah Wliitteraorc; 2d, Mary Symonds; d. in 1806. 
Cabinet maker and turner. 

112. Gavett, William, son of Jonathan (No. Ill) and Sarah (Whitte- 
more) Gavett, b. Jan. 2, 1767; m. Oct. 27, 1799, Martha, dau. of Peter and 
Martha (Grover) Richardson of Woburn ; (b. July 15, 1776; d. Nov. 9, 
1823) ; d. Jan. 8, 1856. A turner; for many years sexton of the church. 



206 



PROPRIETOKS OF FIRST HOUSE. 



113. Gereish, James S., teacher of the East School from April 25, 1818, 
to March 15, 1822, resigned and soon opened a private school for boys ; 
m. Dorcas Barrett of Concord ; d. at Salem, Aug. 5, 1833, aged 42. 

114. Gerrish, Samuel, son of Benjamin and Margaret (Cabot) Gerrish, 
b. at Salem, March 16, 1749; m. 1st, Sarah Williams of Marblehead; 2d, 
Elizabeth Chipman; d. Sept. 2, 1844, aged 95 years and 6 months; having 
passed most of his long life in his home No. 85 Federal street. 

115. GiBBS, Henry, son of Henry and Katharine (Willard) Gibbs, b. at 
Salem, May 7, 1749; gr. Harv. Coll., 1766. Having taught school in sev- 
eral places, he afterwards entered into mercantile business at Salem ; m. 
Mercy, dau. of Benjamin and Rebecca (Minot) Prescott (b. Feb. 5, 1755; 
d. May 19, 1809) ; d. June 29, 1794. 

116. Gibbs, William, son of Henry (No. 115) and Mercy (Prescott) 
Gibbs, b. at Salem, Feb. 17, 1785; resided at Salem, Concord and Lex- 
ington ; m. Mercy, dau. of Peter and Mary (Prescott) Barrett of Concord, 
(b. Sept. 13, 1783 ; d. Feb. 7, 1837) ; d. in Lexington, Dec. 23, 1853 ; distin- 
guished for his genealogical and historical researches. 

117. Glover, Jonathan, son of Joseph and Mary (Cook) Glover, bapt. 
Oct. 25, 1741; m. Nov. 29, 1764, Mary Newhall, dau. of Samuel Newhall 
of Lynnfleld. Mariner and fisherman. 

118. Glover, Samuel, son of Joseph and Mary (Cook) Glover, bapt. 
Nov. 13, 1743; m. Eunice West, June 13, 1771, who d. Dec, 1788, aged 
47 ; d. . A fisherman and mariner. 

119. GooDALE, Nathan, son of Joshua and Experience (Judd) Goodale, 
b. Dec. 14, 1740; gr. Harv. Coll., 1759; m. Mary, dau. of Mitchell and 
Mary (Cabot) Sewall; d. at Newton, Aug. 9, 1806. Merchant at Salem 
for several years, 1st clerk of the District Court of Mass. 

120. Goodhue, Benjamin, son of Benjamin and Martha (Hardy) Good- 
hue, b. at Salem, Sept. 20, 1748; gr. Harv. Coll., 1766; m. 1st, Frances 
Ritchie of Philadelphia; m. 2d, Anna Willard of Lancaster; d. July 28, 
1814. Merchant at Salem, Representative and Senator IT. S. Congress. 

121. Goodhue, Jonathan, son of Benjamin and Martha (Hardy) Good- 
hue, b. at Salem, Dec. 31, 1744; gr. Harv. Coll., 1764; m. Dorothy Ashton, 
sister of Jacob Ashton (No. 14) ; d. April 19, 1778. Merchant in Salem. 

122. Goodhue, William. 

123. Gould, James, son of James and Margarite Gould, bapt. July 3, 
1736; m. Mehitable Townsend of Lynn; d. July, 1810, aged 74. Deacon 
of the church. Block maker. 

124. Gould, Robert W., son of James W. and Mary (Watts) Gould, b. 
at Salem, Jan. 9, 1784; m. Jan. 12, 1812, Sarah Osgood; d. April 21, 1873. 
Master mariner; several years an officer in the Custom House. 

125. Grafton, Susannah, dau. of Joseph and Mary Grafton, d. Oct., 
1794, aged 73. Unmarried. 

126. Gray, Samuel, son of Samuel and Mary (Moses) Gray, b. June 7, 
1765; m. Ruth, dau. of Daniel and Priscilla (Lambert) Ropes (b. Dec. 20, 
1768 ; d. March 5, 1844) ; d. Oct. 11, 1850. Boot and shoe manufacturer. 



PROPRIETORS OF FIRST HOUSE. 



207 



127. GwiNN, Thaddeus, son of Thomas Gwinn, b. in Nantucket; came 
to Salem in early life, where he resided until his decease which occurred 
May 9, 1829, aged 66 ; m. 1st, Mercy Beadle ; 2d, widow Mary Brown, a 
dau. of Daniel Ropes (No. 236). A ropemaker. 

128. Hastie, James, came from Scotland to Salem, a trader; m. Sarah, 
youDgest dau. of Gabriel and Elizabeth (Reeves) Holman (ba'^t. March 
10, 1754; d. April 2, 1781); in 1783 he was a resident of Newport, R. I. 

129. Henderson, Benjamin, son of Benjamin Henderson; b. Dec. 3, 
1761; m. Mary, dau. of Daniel and Mary (Ingalls) Bray and sister of 
Daniel Bray (No. 26) ; d. June 28, 1836. A soldier in the Revolutionary 
Army, afterwards a master mariner. 

130. Henderson, Joseph, son of Benjamin (No. 129) and Mary (Bray) 
Henderson, b. Oct. 29, 1793 ; iji. 1st, Mary Glazier ; 2d, Elizabeth Adams ; 
d. Feb. 23, 1856. Painter. 

131. Hekrtck, Barnabas, son of Daniel and Sarah (Raymond) Herrick 
of Beverly, b. Oct. 28, 1738; m. Lydia Murray of Salem; d. at Salem in 
1832, aged 94. 

132. Hiller, Joseph, son of Joseph and Hannah (Welsh) Hiller, b. in 
Boston, March 24, 1748; m. Margaret Cleveland; d. in Lancaster, Mass., 
Feb. 9, 1814. A major in U. S. Army during the Revolution ; naval officer 
of the Port of Salem, under the State Government, and collector for 
the same through the whole of the administrations of Washington and 
Adams. 

133. Hoffman, Charles. Merchant, resides in 26 Chestnut street. 

134. Holman, Samuel, son of Gabriel and Elizabeth (Reeves) Holman, 
bapt. Aug. 24, 1737 ; m. Ruth, dau. of William and Eunice (Bowditch) 
Hunt; d. Nov. 24, 1825, aged 89. Hatter; he had been deacon of the 
church fifty-two years. 

135. Holman, Samuel, son of Samuel and Ruth (Hunt) Holman, b. 
Oct. 10, 1764; m. Elizabeth King ; d. Oct. 24, 1854, aged 90. Hatter; for 
many years one of the assessors of Salem. 

136. Holman, Samuel, b. Dec. 21, 1792; m. Lydia, dau. of George and 
Hannah (Phippen) Hodges ; d. at Andover on a visit, May 29, 1845. Mer- 
chant. 

137. Holyoke, Edward Augustus, son of Rev. Edward and Margaret 
(Appleton) Holyoke, b. Aug. 1, 1728; gr. Harv. Coll., 1746; commenced 
practice of medicine in Salem in 1749; m. June 1, 1755, Juditli, dau. of B. 
Pickman (No. 209) ; she d. Nov. 19, 1756 ; m. 2d, Nov 22, 1759, Mary, dau. 
of Nath'l Vial of Boston (b. Dec. 19, 1737; d. April 15, 1802). He d. 
March 31, 1829. A distinguished practitioner of medicine, first President 
of Mass. Med. Society, also President of Am. Acad, of Arts and Sciences, 
a prominent member of the various scientific and literary institutions of 
this city during a long and useful life. 

138. Holyoke, Edward Augustus, son of William and Juditli (Hol- 
yoke) Turner, a grandson of E. A. Holyoke (No. 137) ; b. in Boston, 
July 12, 1796; gr. Ilarv. Coll., 1817. At the close of his studies in 1821 



208 



PROPRIETOES OF FIRST HOUSE. 



or 22, dropped the name of Turner; m. Maria Osgood; d. at Syracuse, 
N. Y., Dec. 19, 1855, to which place he removed several years previous, 
from Salem, where he had been a practitioner of medicine. 

139. Howes, Frederick, son of Anthony and Bethia Howes, b. at Den- 
nis in 1782 ; m. Elizabeth, dau. of W illiam Burley, of Beverly ; commenced 
the practice of law in Salem, residing however for some time in Danvers, 
and representing the town in the Legislature ; returned to Salem and was 
for several years President of Salem Marine Insurance Company; d. Nov. 
12, 1855. 

140. Hubbard, Oliver, sou of John Hubbard, b. at Hamilton, Aug. 3, 
1770 ; educated by the late Eev. Dr. M. Cutler; commenced the practice of 
medicine in Portland; came to Salem in March, 1811, and continued a 
successful practitioner until his decease, which occurred Aug. 27, 1849 ; 
unmarried. 

141. IxGERSOLL, Jonathan, son of Nathaniel, d. at Windsor, Yt., July 
9, 1840, aged 89 ; a native of Salem and from early boyhood followed the 
seas for a period of thirty years ; he retired upon a farm iu Danvers 
where he lived for twenty years, thence removed to a beautiful farm on 
the Connecticut river; he m. 1st, Mary Hodges; 2d, Mary Pool; 3d, 
Sarah, widow of Samuel Bl^-the, and dau. of Aaron Purbeck (b. Feb., 
1759, d. March, 1842). 

142. Ives, William, son of William and JNIary (Bradshaw) Ives. 
Printer, and for nearly fifty years one of the editors and proprietors of 
the Salem Observer. 

143. Jacobs, Daniel, son of John Jacobs, bapt. Nov. 5, 1711 ; m. Sarah 
Dudley of Boston, June 17, 1735; d. Oct., 1809, in his 99th year, having 
lived to this advanced age on his farm in Danvers near the Salem boundary 
line in North Fields ; in early life a shoemaker, afterwards a farmer. 

144. Janes, Joseph, m. Oct. 9, 1737, Lydia, dau. of 

George and Bethia (Peters) Deland (bapt. April 14, 1717; d. March, 
1793). 

144a. Janes, Joseph, son of Joseph and Lydia (Deland) Janes, bapt. 
Aug. 28, 1737; d. Sept. 1789; m. March 26, 1764, Mary Collius. 

145. Johnson, Emery, son of Eli and Miriam (Burbank) Johnson, b. 
in Weston, Mass., Aug. 24, 1790; m. March, 1824, Sarah, dau. of Daniel 
Saunders of Salem; d. at Salem, Jan. 19, 1845. Master mariner and mer- 
chant. 

146. Johnson, John. 

147. Johnson, Samuel, son of Joshua and Martha (Spofi'ord) Johnson, 
b. at Andover, Dec. 18, 1790; gr. Harv. Coll., 1814; m. 1st, Anna Dodge; 
2d, Lucy P. Robinson. A practitioner of medicine ; resides iu No. 4 Chest- 
nut street. 

148. Kimball, Nathan, son of James and Mary (Lovering) Kimball, b. 
at Wenham, Aug. 20, 1741; removed to Salem, where he d. May 10, 1808; 
ra. Sarah dau. of James Friend, of Wenham (b. 1740; d. May 10, 1808). 
A shoemaker. 



PKOPRIETORS OF FIRST HOUSE. 



200 



U9. KniBALL, James, son of Nathan (No. 148), b. Dec. 7, 1777 ; m. Nov. 
29, 1807, Catherine, clan, of William and Mary (Richardson) Russell (b. in 
Cambridge, March 4, 1784; d. in Salem, Feb. 15, 1861) ; d. Oct., 1822. 

150. KixG, James, son of James King, b. in Salem, May 10, 1752; d. 
June 3, 1831 : m. 1st, Judith Norris ; 2d, Elizabeth Grant. A trader. 

151. King, John Glen, son of James King (No. 150), b. March 19, 
1787; gr. Harv. Coll., 1807; m. Nov. 10, 1815, Susan H., dan. of Frederick 
and A. H. Gilman, of Gloucester; d. July 26, 1857. Counsellor at law; 
first president of City Council of Salem. He was the youngest of that 
corps of scholars who gave the type and character to the Essex Bar, in 
the generation that has recently passed away. 

152. Knight, Nathaniel, son of Nathaniel and Sarah (Mascoll) Knight, 
b. at Salem, May 11, 1764; m. Oct. 26, 1784, Sarah, dau. of Ebenezer and 
Mehitable (Buttolph) Ward, who d. April 26, 1846, aged 85; d. Feb. 19, 
1845. Master mariner from the port of Salem; and many years wharf- 
inger of Derby wharf. 

153. Lakeman, Eben Knowlton, son of Richard and Lucy (Knowlton) 
Lakeman, b at Ipswich, Dec. 10, 1799; came to Salem in his boj'hood, 
where he resided until his decease which occurred May 27, 1857 ; m. June 
20, 1826, Jane, dau. of Benjamin (No. 250) and Jane Shillaber. Watch- 
maker. 

154. Lamson, Asa, son of Asa and Deborah (Cox) Lamson of Beverly, 
m. Rebecca, dau. of Knott Martin Vickery of Beverly ; d. April 14, 1870, 
aged 77. 

155. Lang, Edward Symmes, son of Edward and Rachel (Ward) Lang, 
b. Jan. 21, 1770; m. June 5, 1796, Hannah, dau. of Joseph (No. 132) and 
Margaret (Cleveland) Hiller (b. Sept. 6, 1771; d. April, 1823); m. 2d, 
Rebecca Brimmer of Beverly; d. Feb. 12, 1833. ' Apothecary, on the 
eastern corner of Essex and Liberty Streets. 

156. Leach, Robert, m. Nov. 29, 1770, Abigail Luscomb; d. Nov. 25, 
1825, aged 78. Shoreman, afterwards merchant. 

157. Lee, Joh:^ Clarke, son of Nathaniel Cabot and Mary Ann (Cabot) 
Lee, b. April 9, 1804; gr. Harv. Coll., 1823; m. July 29, 1826, Harriet 
Paine, dau. of Joseph Warren and Harriet (Paine) Rose; resides in No. 
14 Chestnut street. 

158. Lord, Daniel, son of Daniel and Sarah (Holland) Lord, b. at 
Ipswich, March 26, 1783. Worker in marble. Market wharf, Salem. 

159. Lord, Joseph H., brother of No. 158, b. at Ipswich, Nov. 2, 
1794; m. Judith, dau. of Ellis and Abigail (Herbert) Mansfield; d. at 
Worcester, Jan. 6, 1867. Resident of Salem many years. A trader. 

160. Lord, James, son of Daniel and Hannah (Saffbrd) Lord, b. at Ips- 
wich, Jan. 9, 1799; m. Dec, 1822, Sarah, dau. of Ebenezer (No. 165a) 
and Sarah (Buffington) Mann (b. Oct. 18, 1798); he d. Nov. 11,1871, 
in Salem. Tanner. 

161. Luscomb, William, probably sou of William and Jane Luscomb, 
bapt. Apr. 5, 1724; m. Sarah Henderson. Houscwright. 



210 



PROPRIETORS OF FIRST HOUSE. 



162. LuscoMB, William, son of William and Sarali (Henderson) Lus- 
comb, m. Jan. 20, 1773, Susanna Cook ; d. April 10, 1827, aged 80. Painter. 

163. Mc'Intire, Joseph, son of John and MeMtable Mc'Iutire, bapt. 
Feb. 26, 1726-7; m. Sarah Ruck, March 19, 1746-7; d. in 1776. A house- 
wright. 

164. Mc'Intire Joseph, sou of Joseph (Xo. 163) and Sarah (Ruck) 
Mc'Intire; m. Jan., 1773, Ann Bovvden of Boston, who d. Sept. 1813; d. 
June 1825, aged 77. A housewright. 

164a. Mc'Intire, Joseph, son of Joseph (No. 164) and Ann (Bowden) 
Mc'Intire, bapt. Feb., 1779; d. Sept. 21, 1852. Unmarried; a carver. 

165. Mc'Intire, Samuel, son of Joseph (No. 163) and Sarah (Ruck) 
Mc'Intire, bapt. Jan. 16, 1757; m. Oct. 31, 1778, Elizabeth, dau. of Samuel 
(No. 97) and Priscilla (Ingalls) Field ; d. Feb., 1811. The skilful and noted 
carver and architect of Salem. 

165a. Mann, Ebenezer, son of Ebenezer Mann, b. at Pembi'oke, Aug. 
6, 1758 ; came to Salem in 1783, and commenced buildiug vessels ; in 1800 
he engaged in the grocery business; m. Dec. 30, 1791, Sarah, dau. of 
James and Prudence (Proctor) Buffington, a sister of James (No. 39), (b. 
Sept. 27, 1772; d. May 17, 1851) ; he d. in Salem, March 19, 1836. 

166. Mansfield, Jonathan, came from Lynn and settled in Salem. A 
trader; d. March, 1791, aged 74. 

167. Marston, William, a grocer, in a building which stood in the 
centre of Washington street, removed when Eastern Railroad Tunnel was 
built in 1839 ; d. May 1818, aged 67. 

168. Mason, David, son of David and Susanna Mason, b. in Boston, 
March 19, 1726; d. in Boston, Sept. 17, 1794. He was a meritorious 
officer in the Revolution ; resided in Salem several years previous to the 
commencement of hostilities. 

169. Merritt, David, son of David and Elizabeth (Badcock) Merritt, 
b. at Ticehurst, Sussex Co., England, April 20, 1775; m. July 30, 1804, 
Anne, dau. of William and Anne Ashby of Battle, Sussex; arrived in this 
country, Oct'. 18, 1804; settled at Utica, N. Y., thence at Sackett Har- 
bor, N. Y. and Marblehead; came to Salem in Oct., 1824. Trader till 
the year 1827; then established a wagon express between Boston and 
Salem and elsewhere, after the opening of the Eastern Railroad by rail ; 
d. July 28, 1862. 

170. Millet, John, son of Andrew and Ruth Millet, bapt. Oct 23, 1737 ; 
m. 1761, Mary Roberts, who d. Aug., 1788, aged 48 ; d. Oct., 1793. A 
cooper. 

171. Morgan, Theodore, son of Lucas and Tryphena (Smith) Morgan, 
b. at West Springfield, Mass., Nov. 19, 1778; m. Sept. 20, 1806, Abigail, 
dau. of Thomas Manning; d. at Salem, Dec. 10, 1845. A watchmaker. 

172. Moses, Eleazer, son of Eleazer and Mary Moses; bapt. Jan. 19, 
1734; m. Mary, dau. of Peter Henderson; d. Feb., 1786. Sailmaker. 

173. Needham, Benjamin. 

174. Newhall, Isaac, son of Joel and Lucy (Mansfield) Newhall, b. in 



PROPKIETOES OF FIRST HOUSE. 



211 



Lynn, Aug. 24, 1782. A trader in Salem several years ; author of a 
work, published in 1831, entitled, "Letters on Junius". He was twice 
married. His first wife was Sarah Lewis, who d. May, 1821 ; he returned 
to Lynn and spent his latter days at the old homestead, and there d. July 
6, 1858. 

175. Xewhall, Jeremiah, sou of Jeremiah and Sarah (Bates) Newhall, 
b. in Lynn, Dec. 25, 1737; m. 1761, Elizabeth Grant. Housewright. 

176. Newhall, Joel, son of Joel and Lucy (Mansfield) Newhall, b. in 
Lynn, Oct. 12, 1779. A trader in Salem with his brother Isaac (No. 174), 
afterwards kept a dry goods store in Marblehead; he returned to the old 
homestead in Lynn, and d. there Oct. 8, 1839. 

177. NiCFiOLS, IcHABOD, SOU of David and Hannah (Gaskell) Nichols, 
b. in Salem, Apr. 20, 1749; resided in Portsmouth, N. H., several years of 
his early life. Merchant in Salem ; m. Lydia, dan. of Benjamin and Ruth 
(Hardy; Ropes (b. Dec. 4, 1754; d. Feb. 25, 1835); he d. at Salem, July 
2, 1839. 

178. Nichols, Benjamin Ropes, son of Ichabod (No. 177) and Lydia 
(Ropes) Nichols, b. at Portsmouth, May 18, 1786; gr. Harv. Coll., 1804. 
Counsellor at Law, in Salem, many years ; and from 1824, until his decease, 
in Boston, which occurred April 30, 1848; m. Mary, dau. of Timothy and 
Rebecca (White) Pickering. 

179. Nichols, George, son of Ichabod (No. 177) and Lydia (Ropes) 
Nichols, b. at Salem, July 4, 1778; m. 1st, Sally; 2d, Lydia Peirce, dau. of 
Jerathmael and Sarah (Ropes) Peirce; d. Oct. 19, 1865. Merchant in 
Salem. 

180. Nichols, Samuel, son of Stephen and Abigail (Moultou) Nichols, 
b. Dec. 6, 1800; m. Dec. 17, 1826, Mary M. Flint; d. Oct. 17, 1854. A 
tanner in Salem. 

181. Nichols, William Fkye, son of Ichabod and Cassandra (Frye) 
Nichols, b. Apr. 4, 1801 ; m. June 8, 1830, Abigail, dau. of James (No. 39) 
Bufiington. A tanner in Salem. 

182. Northey, Abijah, son of Abijah and Abigail (Wood) Northey, m. 
1st, April 18, 1795, Sally G. King; 2d, Lydia, dau. of Gabriel and Lydia 

(Mansfield) Holman (b. Dec. 9, 1777; ); d. Oct. 25, 1853, 

aged 79| years. Master mariner and merchant. 

183. Nutting, John, b. in Cambridge, Jan. 7, 1694; gr. Harv. Coll., 
1712; came to Salem in 1718, and kept the school for many years; col- 
lector of the port at difierent times ; register of deeds, etc. ; m. Feb. 12, 
1719-20, Ruth Gardner, she d. Nov. 12, 1736; m. 2d, Elizabeth, dau. of 
Benjamin and Abigail (Lindall) Pickman (b. Jan. 22, 1714; d. June 10, 
1785) ; d. May 20, 1790, aged 96; the oldest graduate for several years on 
the College catalogue. 

184. Oliver, AVilliam W., son of Hubbard and Rebecca (Wallis) Oliver, 
d. Dec. 29, 1869, aged 91. Many years deputy collector of the customs at 
the port of Salem. 

185. OsBORN, William. 



212 



PROPRIETORS OF FIRST HOUSE. 



185a, Orman, Sarah, dan. of Joseph and Sarah (Ruck) Orman, d. at 
Salem, Sept. 21, 1843, aged 79. Unmarried. 

186. Osgood, Joseph, son of Joseph and Margaret Osgood of Andover, 
m. June 14, 1770, Lucretia, dau. of Miles and Hannah (Derby) Ward (b. 
Aug. 28, 1748; d. Sept., 1809); d. June, 1812, aged 65. A physician in 
Dan vers and Salem. 

187. Osgood, Joseph, son of Dr. Joseph Osgood (No. 186) ; m. Oct. 23, 
1796, Mary, dau. of Ebenezer and Hannah (Hunt) Beckford (b. Sept. 23, 
1774; d. March, 1822, aged 47); d. in England in 1806. Supercargo of 
ship George Washington. 

IBS. Osgood, Isaac, son of Peter and Sarah (Johnson) Osgood, b. at 
North Andover, July 15, 1756; m. 1st, Sally Pickman, Oct. 12, 1790, who 
d. Aug. 10, 1791, aged 20; 2d, Rebecca T. Pickman, Dec. 8, 1794, who d. 
Aug. 29, 1801, aged 29; daughters of C. G. Pickman (No. 213); m. 3d, 
Mary T., dau. of Benjamin Pickman (No. 210), June 28, 1803, who d. 
Sept. 7, 1856, aged 90. Resident of Salem and Andover; an underwriter, 
clerk of the courts of Essex; d. at Andover, Sept. 30, 1847. 

189. Osgood, John, son of John and Susanna (Williams) Osgood of 
Salem, bapt. Sept. 18, 1757; m. Rebecca, dau. of William and Ann (Well- 
man) Messervy, Oct. 1782 ; he d. Dec. 2, 1826, aged 69. Master mariner 
and merchant. 

190. Osgood, Nathaniel Ward, son of Joseph Osgood, Jr. (No. 187), 
m. June 26, 1822, Mary B. Archer; d. March 21, 1863, aged 65. Tanner. 

191. Page, Jeremiah, son of Samuel and Rebecca (Putnam) Page, b. 
in Dauvers, June 2, 1796 ; m. Mary Pindar of Danvers ; d. at Salem, Nov. 
1, 1867. Master mariner, and president of Salem Marine Insurance Com- 
pany. 

192. Page, Ruth, dau. of Samuel Holman (No. 134), b. June 15, 1761; 
d. Sept. 28, 1833; m. John Page, the second son of Samuel and Eliza- 
beth Page of Medford (b. in Medford, Nov. 20, 1751 ; d. in Salem, Dec. 
1, 1838) who was connected in the ship chandlery business for upwards 
of forty years in Salem under the firm of Page and Ropes. He was a rev- 
olutionary veteran. 

193. Page, Samuel, son of Samuel and Lois (Lee) Page, b. Nov. 14, 
1777; m. Dec. 2, 1810, Jane, dau. of Henry (No. 238) and Lydia (Janes) 
Rust, she d. Dec. 25, 1843, aged 60; d. Feb. 1, 1834. Master mariner. 

194. Palfray, Thomas, son of Thomas and Martha (Crowninshiekl) 

Palfray, b. 1793; m. Dec. 18, 1821, Hannah Dale; d. 

at sea. Master mariner. 

195. Parsons, Oliver, b. in Gloucester; m. Apr. 15, 1816, Betsey Ives; 
d. at Worcester, Aug. 25, 1845, aged 60. Blacksmith. 

196. Payson, Edward H., son of Lemuel and Joanna (Newhall) Pay- 
son, m. Amelia Melius. Cashier of First National Bank, Salem. 

197. Peabody, Nathaniel, son of Isaac and Mary (Potter) Peabody, 
b. March 30, 1774; gr. Dart. Coll., 1800; m. Nov. 2, 1802, Elizabeth 
Palmer; d. in Boston, Jan. 1, 1855. For many years a dentist in Salem. 



PROPRIETORS OF FIRST HOUSE. 



213 



198. Peabody, Joseph, son of Francis and Margaret (Knight) Peabocly, 
b. in Middleton, Dec. 12, 1757; m. 1st, Aug. 28, 1791, Catharine; 2d, 
Oct. 2i, 1795, Elizabeth, daughters of Kev. Elias Smith of Middleton; d. 
Jan. 5, 1844. An eminent merchant at Salem and extensively known 
throughout the commercial world. 

190. Pp:abody, Fkancis, son of Joseph (No. 198) and Elizabeth (Smith) 
Peabody, b. Dec. 7, 1801 ; m. July 7, 1823, Martha, dau. of Samuel (No. 
85) and Elizabeth (Putnam) Endicott ; d. at Salem, Oct. 31, 1867. A mer- 
chant and manufacturer. 

200. Peabody, Joseph Augustus, son of Joseph (198) and Elizabeth 
(Smith) Peabody, b. Aug. 7, 1796; gr. Harv, Coll. 1816; m. Louisa, dau. 
of Samuel (No. 228) and Sarah (Gool) Putnam, Sept. 3, 1821; d. June 18, 
1828. A merchant at Salem. 

201. Peabody, Joseph W., son of Asa and Anna (Gould) Peabocly, b. 
in Middleton, May 18, 1787 ; m. Harriet French of Milford, N. H. ; d. Sept. 
16, 1842. Merchant. 

202. Peabody, Samuel, son of Bimsley and Ruth (Marston) Peabody 
of Middleton and Boxford, b. Jan. 7, 1759; m. Sept. 21, 1782, Abigail 
Trask; d. Jan. 26, 1839. A grocer in Salem. 

203. Peiuce, Bexjamix, son of Jerathmael and Sarah (Ropes) Peircc, 
b. Sept. 30, 1778; gr. Harv. Coll., 1801; m. his cousin Lydia R., dau. of 
Ichabod (No. 177) and Lydia (Ropes) Nichols (b. Jan. 3, 1781; d. at 
Cambridge, Oct. 22, 1868). Merchant for many years at Salem; in 1826 
was appointed Librarian at Harvard College Library and d. in Cambridge, 
July 26, 1831. 

204. Peirce, Natpiax, son of Nathan and Sarah Peirce, b. at Newbury, 
June 17, 1749; d. at Salem, May 22, 1812; his wife Rebecca, widow of 
John Hill, dau. of Mr. Allen, b 1742; d. July 18, 1815. In early life a 
tobacconist; afterwards a successful merchant. 

205. Phillips, Stephex, son of Stephen and Elizabeth (Elkins) Phillips 5 
b. in Marblehead, Nov. 13, 1761. In early life was a shipmaster; in 1800 
moved to Salem and engaged in commercial pursuits ; m. 1st, Dorcas dau. 
of Dudley and Dorcas (March) Woodbridge, she d. June, 1802, aged 29 ; m. 
2d, Eliza, dau. of Nathan Peirce (No. 204) ; he d. at Salem, Oct. 19, 1838. 

206. PiiiPPEX, Thomas, sou of Thomas and Margaret (Driver) Phippen, 
b. Dec. 25, 1750; m. Dec. 27, 1774, Rebecca Wellman (b. Oct. 3, 1755); 
d. Dec. 22, 1839. A mariner. 

207. Phippex, William, brother of (No. 206) and son of Thomas and 
Margaret (Driver) Phippen, b. Feb. 27, 1752; m. Nov. 22, 1777, Lois 
Hitchings of Lynn, and had among other children, Lois, wife of B. Balch 
(No. 15) and Mary, wife of E. Fuller (No. 103 ; ; m. 2d, widow Anna Ring ; 
d. in 1796. A trader. 

208. PiCKERiXG, John, son of William and Eunice (Pickering) Pick- 
ering, b. Jan. 2, 1738; m. Hannah Ingersoll, sister of Jonathan (No. 141); 
removed to Richmond, N. H., where he d. Oct. 27, 1823; his wife Ilauuah, 
d. Jan. 5, 1795, aged 55. 



214 



PROPEIETOES OF FIRST HOUSE. 



209. PicoiAN, Benjazviix, son of Benjamin and. Abigail (Lindall) Pick- 
man, b. Jan. 28, 1707; m. Oct., 1731, Love Kawlins, who d. June 9, 1786, 
aged 77; he d. Aug. 20, 1773. Merchant, judge of Common Pleas Court, 
etc. 

210. PiCKMAN, Bexjamix, SOU of Benjamin (Xo. 209) and Love Ea-wlins 
Pickman, b. Xov. 7, 1740; gr. Harv. Coll., 1759; m. Apr. 22, 17G2, Mary 
Toppan, who d. in 1817; he d. May 12, 1819. Merchant. 

211. PicioiAX, Benjamin, son of Benjamin (210) and Mary Toppan 
Pickman, b. Sept. 30, 1763; gr. Harv. Coll., 1781; m. Oct. 20, 1789, Austiss, 
dau. of E. Hasket Derby (b. Oct. 6, 1769; d. June 1, 1838); d. Aug. 16, 
181:3. Merchant, Representative and Senator in Massachusetts Legisla- 
ture ; member of the Constitutional Convention, Massachusetts, 1820, and 
of the Executive Council of Massachusetts ; and Representative, in United 
States Congress 1809-11. 

212. PiCKMAX, Clarke Gaytox, son of Benjamin (Xo. 209) and Love 
(Rawlins) Pickman, b. July 30, 1716; m. Sarah, dau. of Timothy and 
Rebecca (Taylor) Orne (b. June 5, 1752; d. Sept., 1812); d. Xov. 29, 
1781. Merchant. 

213. PicioiAX, William, son of Benjamin Qso. 209) and Love (Rawlins) 
Pickman, b. March 12, 1748; gr. Harv. Coll., 1766; m. Elizabeth, dau. of 
Rev. Dudley and Mary (Pickering) Leavitt (b. Sept. 16, 1759 ; d. Oct. 13, 
1782) ; he d. Xov. 5, 1815. Merchant and naval officer of the Port of 
Salem. 

214. PiCKMAX, Yv^iLLiAM, SOU of Benjamin (No. 210) and Mary Toppan 
Pickman, b. June 25, 1774; d. May 1, 1857. In early life a merchant in 
Boston; lived many years in Salem; retired from the active duties of 
life. 

215. PiCKMAX, Dudley Leavitt, son of William (No. 213) and Elizabeth 
(Leavitt) Pickman, bapt. May, 1779; m. Sept. 6, 1810, Catherine, dau. of 
Thomas and Elizabeth (Elkius) Saunders (bapt. Aug. 29, 1784; d. May 
18, 1823) ; d. Kov. 4, 1846. Merchant. 

216. PICK3IAX, Thomas, son of Benjamin (Xo. 210) and Mary Toppan 
Pickman, b. May 10, 1773; gr. Harv. Coll., 1791; m. 1st, Mary, dau. of 
Capt. Jonathan Haraden, she d. Sept., 1806, aged 31; m. 2d, Sophia, dau. 
of Joseph P. and Catherine H. Palmer (b. in Boston; d. in Salem, Dec. 
22, 1862, aged 76) ; d. Jan. 2, 1817. A physician in Salem. 

217. Pixel, Philip Payx, b. in Growville, Isle of Jersey, July 9, 1782; 
m. Jan. 5, 1812, Susan, dau. of Benjamin and Hannah (Shillaber) Peters; 
d. in Salem, Nov. 21, 1864. A master mariner. 

218. PiTMAX, Bexjamix, son of Michael and Sarah (Carwick) Pitman, 
b. Dec. 24, 1792; m. July 26, 1825, Catherine, dau. of Jacob (Xo. 244) 
Sanderson, and widow of Henry Carwick; resides in Andover street. 
Book-keeper, many years, in Asiatic Bank, Salem. 

219. Pope, Ebenezer, son of Eben and Sarah (Pope) Pope, b. in Dan- 
vers, July 7, 1759; m. Aug., 1779, Mehitable, dau. of Capt. Samuel and 
Meliitable (Williams) Carroll, she d. in 1784; m. 2d, Jan. 31, 1790, Lydia, 



PROPRIETORS OF FIRST HOUSE. 



215 



widow of James Hayes of Salem, and dau. of William Darling of Cam- 
bridge, she d. Peb. 16, 1816, aged 62; be d. Feb. 14, 1821. A baker in 
Salem. 

220. Porter, Ebenp:zer, came from Wenham to Salem. Housewright ; 
m. Nov. 10, 1771, Mary, dau. of John and Sarah (Titcomb) Ropes. 

221. Potter, Jesse, son of William and Elizabeth (Saftbrd) Potter, b. 
at Ipswich Hamlet (Hamilton), Dec. 27, 1782; m. Nov. 5, 1819, Susan, 
dau. of Samuel and Mary (Stevens) Puncliard (b. Jan. 10, 1790 ; d. Jan. 
10, 1844) ; d. at sea, Aug. 28, 1829. A master mariner. 

222. Proctor, Robert, son of Robert and Hannah (Goodhue) Proctor, 
b. at Salem, Dec. 23, 1760; m. Nov. 28, 1808, Lydia Kilburn (d. Feb. 18, 
1857, aged 76) : d. Dec. 4, 1841. A trader and farmer. 

223. Proctor, Willia:m, son of William and Elizabeth (Masury) Proc- 
tor, b. at Salem; m. Sarah, dau. of Joseph and Sarah (Peirce) Holman 
(b. July 28, 1792; ). Merchant; in 1827 removed to Brook- 
lyn, N.' Y. 

224. PuRBECK, William. 

225. Putnam, Allen, son of Thomas and Mary (Fitz) Putnam, b. Dec. 
12, 1794; m. Eliza, dau. of Samuel and Rebecca (Putnam) Page, a sister 
of Jeremiah (No. 191) ; she d. July 15, 1864, aged 70; he d. Sept. 5, 1868. 
Master mariner; President of East India Marine Society, and at the time 
of his death one of the assessors of Salem. 

226. Putnam, Bartholomew, sou of Bartholomew and Ruth (Gardner) 
Putnam, b. at Salem, Feb. 2, 1737; d. Apr. 17, 1815; m. May 13, 1760, 
Sarah, dau. of Gamaliel Hodges (b. July 31, 1740; d. Oct. 17, 1830). Sur- 
veyor of the port. 

227. Putnam, Nathaniel, son of Nathaniel and Mary (Ober) Putnam, 
b. in Danvers, March 2, 1774; m 1st, Polly Warner; 2d, Hannah, dau. of 
Simon and Mehitable (Dutch) Pendar; 3d, Betsey Waters. Removed to 
New York city about 1830, and d. in that place June 10, 1849 ; when a resi- 
dent of Danvers, a trader; in New York a commission merchant. 

228. Putnam, Samuel, sou of Gideon and Hannah Putnam, b. in Dan- 
vers, Apr. 13, 1768; gr. Harv. Coll., 1787; m. Oct. 28, 1795, Sarah, dau. of 
John and Lois (Pickering) Gool. For many years a prominent lawyer and 
politician in Salem, Justice in Supreme Court of Mass. ; removed to 
Boston ill 1833; d. at Somerville, July 3, 1853. 

229. Rea, Archelaus, son ot Archelaus and Mary (Cook) Rea, b. Feb. 
12, 1778; m, Nov. 17, 1805, Elizabeth, dau. of Jonathan Mason, Jr., 2d, 
Apr. 17, 1814, Maria March Woodbridge. Master mariner and agent of 
Salem Iron Factory Company ; about 1840, he moved to Roxbury where 
he d. Aug. 18, 1864, aged 76. 

230. RiOA, Samuel, son of Archelaus and Mary (Cook) Rea, b. Feb. 3, 
1782; m. Sept. 3, 1807, Sarah, dau. of James and Eunice (Carlton) Barr^ 
(b. July 3, 1782; d. Nov. 17, 1862) ; he d. Sept. 30, 1842. Master mariner 
and merchant. 

231. RoBKRTS, William, son of William and Rebecca (Goldthwaite) 



216 



PROPRIETORS OF FIRST HOUSE. 



Eoberts, b. iu South Parish of Dauvers (Peaboch'), Sept. 3, 1783; m. 
June 21, 1805, Sally, dan. of Elijah (No. 213) and Maiy Saimdersou ; d. 
at Salem, March SO, 1872. Mason. 

232. Rogers, Xathaniel, son of Rev. Xathaiiiel and Ma.Yy (Bnrnham) 
(Stanifordj Rogers, b. at Ipswich, March 11, 1762; gr. Harv. Coll., 1782; 
m. Abigail, dan. of Col. Abraham Dodge of Ipswich; d. at Saco, Me., in 
1799. He removed to Salem about 1788, and both he and his wife were 
eminently successful as teachers. 

233. Rogers, Nathaniel Leverett, son of Nathaniel (No. 232) and 
Abigail (Dodge) Rogers, b. at Ipswich, Aug. G. 1785; ra. Oct. 2i, 1813, 
Harriet, dau. of Aaron and Elizabeth (Call) Waite; d. July 31, 1858. 
Merchant; President of East India Marine Society, and held other offices 
of trust and honor. 

231:. Rogers, Joux Vv^hittingham, son of Nathaniel (No. 232) and 
Abigail (Dodge) Rogers, b. at Ipswich, Nov. 10, 1787; came to Salem in 
early childhood; received a mercantile education. Merchant in Salem 
and Boston; m. Anstiss, dau. of Benjamin (No. 211) and Anstiss (Derby) 
Pickman; d. in Boston, Dec. 9, 1872. 

235. Ropes, Jane, dau. of Mr. Bartlett of Exeter, N. H., m. John 
Ropes of Salem, a son of John and Dorothea (Bartlett) Ropes (b. July 27, 
1709 ; d., 1761 ; a trader) ; she survived him until the summer of 1781. 

236. Ropes, Daniel, sou of Joseph and Elizabeth Ropes, b. June 13, 
1737; m. Nov. 19, 1761, Priscilla, dau. of Samuel and Mary (Williams) 
Lambert (b. Feb. 25, 1738; d. Sept. 22, 1808); he d. Oct. 8, 1821. A 
cordwainer. 

237. Ross, Joseph. 

238. Rust, Henky, came from Gloucester to Salenl when a young man, 
and was successful in his business operations, b. Aug. 23, 1737; d. Sept. 
28, 1812; m. Dec. 25, 1759, Lydia Janes (b. May 12, 1740; d. Aug. 23, 
1808); m. 2d, Abigail (Benson) Foster, who d. Jan. 1823, aged 78. 

239. Rust, Jacob PaPvSONs, son of Henry (No. 238)' and Lydia (Janes) 
Rust, b. Aug. 15, 1774; m. Mary Adams of Boston, who d. Oct. 1817, aged 
41 ; he d. at Boston, Jan. 5, 1828, aged 54. Merchant at Salem and Boston. 

240. Safford. Abraham, son of , b. in Ipswich, March 20, 

1735; m. ]Martha, dau. of Rev. John l^eunis ; d. in Bath, N. H., Jan. 5, 
1829. In early life was engaged in the French and Indian war ; on the 19th 
of April 1775 was lieutenant of the Salem Company and in command of 
the same, the captain being sick. 

241. Saltonstall, Leverett, son of Nathaniel and Anna (White) 
Saltonstall, b. at Haverhill, June 13, 1783: gr. Harv. Coll.. 1802; m. March 
7, 1811, Mary Elizabeth, dau. of Thomas and Elizabeth (Elkins) Sanders 
who d. Jan. 11, 1858, aged 70; d. May 8. 1845. Lawyer in Salem; Speaker 
of Mass. House of Representatives; President of Mass. Senate; Rep- 
resentative U. S. Cong.; first Mayor of the city of Salem. 

242. Saltonstall, Nathaniel, son of Nathaniel and Anna (White) 
Saltonstall, b. at Haverhill, Oct. 1, 1784; m. Nov. 20, 1820, Caroline, 



PROPRIETORS OF FIRST HOUSE. 



217 



youngest dau. of Thomas and Elizabeth (Elkins) Sanders; d. at New 
Market, N. H., Oct. 19, 1838, during a visit, in the performance of his duties 
as treasurer of the manufacturing corporation in that place. Merchant 
at Baltimore and Salem. 

213. Sanderson, Elijah, son of Jonathan and Mary (Bemis) Sanderson, 
b. at Waltham, Oct. 10, 1751 ; m. Mary Mulliken, of Lexington, who d. at 
Salem, Oct. 23, 1843, aged 86 ; d. at Salem, Feb. 15, 1825. Cabinet maker ; 
for many years deacon of the church. 

244. Sanderson, Jacob, son of Jonathan and Mary (Bemis) Sanderson, 
b. at Waltham, Oct. 21, 1757; m. June 26, 1781, Catherine Harrington of 
Watertown (b. Aug. 26, 1755; d. Dec, 1811); d. at Salem, Feb. 12, 1810. 
Cabinet maker. 

245. Sanderson, John, son of Elijah (No. 243) and Mary (Mulliken) 
Sanderson, b. at Salem, Jan. 21, 1797; m. Dec. 7, 1824, Abigail Haskell; 
d. Oct. 26, 1858. Cabinet maker. 

246. Sanders, Charles, eldest son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Elkins) 
Sanders, b. in Salem; gr. Harv. Coll. 1802; m. Charlotte, dau. of Ichabod 
(No. 177) and Lydia (Ropes) Nichols (b. at Portsmouth, Nov. 26, 1788; 
d. at Cambridge, March 29, 1872) ; he d. at Cambridge, April 7, 1864, 
aged 80. Merchant in Salem; steward of Harv. Coll. 1827-30; resided 
principally at Salem and Cambridge, occasionally at Boxford and other 
places. 

247. Saunders, Jonathan Peele, son of Daniel and Sarah (Peele) 
Saunders, bapt. July 10, 1785; m. Dec. 26, 1811, Mary, dau. of Moses 
and Sarah Adams, (b. in Beverly; d. in Salem, May 5, 1871, aged 80) ; he 
d. Feb. 22, 1844, aged 58. A surveyor, and many years town clerk. 

248. ScoBiE, John, came from Scotland to Salem; m. Lydia, dau. of 
Jonathan Mason and widow of Benjamin Mally ; d. July, 1853, aged 59. 
A trader. 

249. Seccomb, Ebenezer, son of Joseph and Ruth (Brooks) Seccomb, 
b. at Kingston, N. H., June 19, 1778; m. Nov. 27, 1802, Hannah Williams, 
who d. Nov. 17, 1810, aged 30; m. 2d, Mary, dau. of William and Mehit- 
able (Osgood) Marston, who d. April, 1824, aged 40; he d. June 21, 1835. 
A merchant in Salem. 

250. Shillaber, Benjamin, son of William and Mary (Waters) Shil- 
laber, b. June 27, 1758, at Danvers ; m. Nov. 19, 1784, Sarah Proctor, who 
d. July 21, 1794, aged 38; m. 2d, Sept. 15, 1795, Jane, dau. of John and 
Abigail (Hawkes) Ropes, and widow of John Titcombe; (b, Jan. 7, 1769: 
d. April 19, 1842). He d. Aug. 16, 1823. Master mariner. 

250a. Shillaber, Benjamin, son of Benjamin (No. 250), b. June 20, 
1788; m. 1st, Sarah, dau. of Col John Hathorne ; she d. Aug. 1824, aged 
31; 2d, Sarah Austin; d. Dec. 31, 1S40. Master mariner. 

251. Shillaber, Ebenezer, son of Samuel and Susanna (Reeves) Shil- 
laber, m. 1st, Deborah, dau. of Samuel and Mary (Putnam) Endicott, 
(bapt. March 17, 1767; d. Nov., 1801); m. 2d, Hannah Jones, of Beverly, 
who survived him; he d. Dec, 1807, aged 43. Master mariner. 

14 



218 



PROPRIETOES OF FIRST HOUSE. 



252. Shillaber, Sally, dau. of Benjamin Shillaber (No. 250), b. April 
27, 1792. Resides in Salem. 

253. Shreve, Benjamin, b. Dec. 6, 1780; m. July 8, 1804, Mary, dau. of 
Benjamin Goodhue (No. 120), (b. Oct. 15, 1781; d. June 30, 1839); d. 
March 8, 1839. Master mariner, and merchant in Salem. Treasurer of 
Salem Savings Bank. 

254. Sibley, Littlefield, son of Samuel and Merebah (Bartlett) Sib- 
ley, b. May, 1739; m. Sarah Lambert; d. at sea in 1780. Master mariner 
and commanded the Letter of Marque schooner Nancy. 

255. Skerry, Ephraim, son of Francis and Hannah Skerry, bapt. Feb. 
1, 1746; d. Jan., 1821. 

256. Skerry, Francis, son of Ephraim and Margaret (Silsbee) Skerry, 
bapt. March 15, 1719 ; m. Nov. 11, 1741, Anna Symonds ; d. 1790. Yeoman. 

257. Skerry, Sajviuel, son of Samuel and Lydia (Cheever) Skerry, b. 
Ja^. 18, 1772; m. Sept. 9, 1798, Content, dau. of Ebenezer (No. 282) and 
Mehitable (Buttolph) Ward (b. Sept. 2, 1773; d. May 6, 1854) ; d. at Salem, 
Oct. 23, 1808; a master mariner; a few years previous to his death had 
retired to a farm in Brookfield. 

258. Smith, Jesse, son of Aaron and Lucy (Baker) Smith ; b. at 
Ipswich, Dec. 12, 1789; came to Salem when young and learned the 
watch maker's trade, and was engaged in this business during his life ; m. 
Priscilla Treadwell; d. July 4, 1866. 

259. SxMiTH, Ebenezer, b. at Ipswich, Sept. 24, 1767; m. Sally Griffen, 
March 22, 1789, who d. July 1, 1824, aged 59 ; he d. June 5, 1825, aged 57. 
A baker in Salem. 

260. Sprague, Joseph, son of Major Joseph Sprague, gr. Harv. Coll., 
1792 ; m. Feb. 6, 1801, Margaret, dau. of Dr. Joseph (No. 186) and Lucy 
(Yfard) Osgood; d. June, 1833. Merchant. 

261. Stevens, Teniothy, J., son of Peter and Nabby (Johnson) Stevens ; 
b. in North Andover, Aug. 30, 1788; m. Almira H., dau. of Edmund and 
Hittie (Curtis) Herrick (b. Dec. 12, 1791; resides in Salem). He died at 
Salem, Sept. 1, 1864. A shoe manufacturer. 

262. Stickney, Judith, dau. of Col. Peter and Love (Pickman) Frye ; 
b. in Salem ; m. William Stickney, a master mariner, son of William and 
Mary (Sawyer) Stickney of Rowley, who d. on board of his ship at 
Martha's Vineyard, June, 1788; she d. in Boxford, July 15, 1837, aged 76. 

263. Stone, Robert, son of Robert and Anstiss (Babbidge) Stone, b. 
March 16, 1776; m. June 5, 1808, Rebecca, dau. of John (No. 189) and 
Rebecca (Messervy) Osgood; d. Sept. 21, 1860. A merchant. 

264. Story, Joseph, son of Dr. Elisha and Mehitable (Pedrick) Story, 
b. in Marblehead, Sept. 18, 1779; gr. Harv. Coll., 1798; m. Dec. 9, 1804, 
Mary Lynde, dau. of Rev. Thomas F. and Sarah (Pynchon) Oliver ; she 
d. June 22, 1805; m. 2d, Aug. 27, 1808, Sarah Waldo, dau. of Hon. W. 
Wetmore; he removed to Salem in 1801, a lawyer of distinction. Speaker 
of Massachusetts House of Representatives ; Representative U. S. Con- 
gress, 1808, 9 ; frona 1811 until his decease, Judge U. S. Supreme Court ; 



PROPRIETOES OF FIRST HOUSE. 



219 



iu 1830 removed to Cambridjje, having received the appoiutment of Dane 
professor of law iu Harvard University ; d. Sept. 10, 1845. 

264:a. Straw, Isaiah, son of Jacob and Betsey (Burbank) Straw, b. in 
Hopkinton, N. H., Feb. 8, 1797; m.Khoda Merrill; came to Salem, March, 
1818. Tanner. 

265. Symonds, Ephraim, son of Benjamin and Margaret (Skerry) 
Symonds, m. March 20, 1770, Elizabeth Downing. 

266. Symonds, Jonathan, son of Benjamin and Hannah (Bullen) 
Symonds, bapt. Sept. 19, 1742; m. Jan. 8, 1767, Mary Ramsdell, who d. 
Dec, 1814, aged 72. 

266a. Symonds, Joseph, son of William (No. 268) and Eunice (Gard- 
ner) Symonds, b. March 14, 1783; ra. Catherine, dau. of Edward (No. 
35) and Catherine (Felt) Brown; d. Feb. 25, 1840. Shoemaker. 

267. Symonds, Samuel, sou of Samuel and Mary (Hooper) Symonds, 
bapt. Jan. 31, 1741; m. Aug. 10, 1760, Mary, dau. of Samuel and Abigail 
Cook and sister of Samuel (No. 63) ; d. before 1797. 

268. Symonds, Mrs. Elizabeth. 

268a. Symonds, John, son of Benjamin and Margaret (Skerry) Sy- 
monds, m. July 22, 1786, Susanna Webb. 

268b. Symonds, Thomas, son of Samuel and Mary (Hooper) Symonds, 
m. April 10, 1769, Mary Chapman, dau. of Isaac and Hannah (Dean) and 
sister of Benjamin and George (Nos. 51, 52), (bapt. Dec. 28, 1746; d. 
March 19, 1832, aged 85). 

268c. Symonds, William, son of Nathaniel and Jane (Phips) Symonds, 
b. Jan. 8, 1749-50; m. Nov. 15, 1772, Eunice, dau. of Joseph and Mehit- 
able (Pope) Gardner; d. Sept. 8; 1830, aged 77; he d. July 25, 1830. 

269. Treadwell, Charles, son of Nathaniel and Eliza (White) Tread- 
well, b. iu Ipswich, March 18, 1789, and d. in that town, Feb. 28, 1855; 
m. May 2, 1819, Lydia R., dau. of Benjamin and Jane Shillaber (b. June 
27, 1796; d Nov. 9, 1842). Master mariner ; lieut. of private armed ship 
Alfred, in the war of 1812; president of Essex Insurance Company of 
Salem. 

270. Treadwell, Ephraim, son of Elisha and Lydia (Crocker) Tread- 
well, b. in Ipswich, Sept. 24, 1789. Trader; moved from Salem to New 
York. 

271. Treadwell, John, son of John and Hannah (Boardman) Tread- 
well, b. in Ipswich, Sept. 20, 1738; gr. Harv. Coll , 1758. Minister of the 
First Congregational Church in Lynn, 1763-1782; taught the Grammar 
School in Ipswich, 1783-1785; removed to Salem, where he resided until 
his death, which occurred Jan. 5, 1811; was State Senator; Judge of 
Court of Common Pleas; and m. 1st, Mehitable, dau. of Dr. Richard 
Dexter of Topsfleld; 2d, Dorothy, widow of Jonathan Goodliue (No. 
121) and dau. of Jacob and Mary (Ropes) Ashton ; 3d, Miss Austin of 
Charlestown ; she survived him and d. Aug., 1816, aged 63. 

272. Treadwell, John Dextek, son of John (No. 271) and Mehitable 
(Dexter) Treadwell, b. in Lynn, May 29, 1768; gr. Ilarv. Coll., 1788; 



220 



PROPRIETORS OF FIRST HOUSE. 



Studied medicine with Dr. E. A. Holyoke (No. 137) ; practised the profes- 
siou the first two or three years in Marblehead, afterwards in Salem, with 
considerable celebrity until his decease, which took place June 6, 1833 ; 
m. Dorothy, dau. of Jonathan (No. 121) and Dorothy (Ashton) Goodhue, 
who was b. Feb., 1777; d. Jan. 29, 1858. 

273. Thull, Herbert. 

274. Tucker, Edward, son of Andrew and Blanche (Skinner) Tucker, 
m. Elizabeth Foster; 2d, widow Hannah Stone, who survived him many 
years ; d. 1803, aged about 50. A blacksmith. 

275. Tucker, Gideon, son of John and Lydia (Jacobs) Tucker, b. 
March 7, 1778i ra. June 21, 1804, Martha Hardy, dau. of Benjamin (No. 
120) and Frances (Ritchie) Goodhue (b. April 20, 1787; d. April 23, 1848) ; 
d. Feb. 18, 1861. Merchant in Salem, president of Exchange Bank. 

276. Tucker, Ichabod, son of Benjamin and Martha (Davis) Tucker, 
b. at Leicester, Mass., April 17, 17^5; gr. Harv. Coll., 1791; m. Sept. 16, 
1798, Maria, dau. of Dr. Joseph and Mary (Leavitt) Orne (b. Nov. 13, 
1775; d. Dec. 14, 1806); m. 2d, Oct. 13, 1811, Esther Orne, widow of 
Joseph Cabot and dau. of Dr. William and Lois (Orne) Paine of Salem 
and Worcester (b. Aug. 29, 1774; d. Jan. 29, 1854). He commenced the 
practice of the law in Haverhill, afterwards removed to Salem, clerk of 
the courts for Essex upwards of thirty years ; d. at Salem, Oct. 22, 1846. 

277. Turner, Christopher, son of Nathaniel and Lucinda (Turner) 
Turner; b. at Pembroke in 1767, where he learned the trade of shipwright ; 
came to Salem a young man and worked at his trade; m. June 9, 1791, 
Sally Osborne ; d. at the Charlestown Navy Yard, Dec. 23, 1812. 

278. TunNER, Lucy, dau. of Christopher (No. 277) and Sally (Osborne) 
Turner, d. unmarried, July 16, 1843, aged 52. 

279. Turner, Sally, sister of the above, d. unmarried, July 16, 1847, 
aged 52. 

280. Vans, AVilliam, came from Boston to Salem ; merchant and auc- 
tioneer; m. Oct. 8, 1761, Mary, dau. of John and Ann (Furuese) Clark, 
(b. June 24, 1735 ; d. May 19, 1770) ; he d. May 23, 1797, aged 67. 

281. Ward, Andrew, son of John and Hannah (Higginson) Ward, b. 
Oct. 6, 1742 ; m. Sarah, dau. of Edmund and Lydia (Hardy) Henfleld (b. 
May 14, 1750; d. Dec, 1817); d. Jan. 1816. 

282. Ward, Ebenezer, Jr., son of Ebenezer and Rachel (Pickman) 
Ward, b. May 26, 1738; m. Mehitable Buttolph ; d. Oct. 26, 1773. 

283. Ward, George Atkinson, son of Samuel Curwen and Jane (Ropes) 
Ward, b. at Salem, March 29, 1793; m. Oct. 5, 1816, Mehitable, dau. of 
James and Sarah (Ward) Gushing (No. 68), (b. Feb. 28, 1795; d. Oct. 4, 
1862) ; d. at Salem, Sept. 22, 1864. Merchant at Salem and New York. 

284. Ward, Joshua, son of Miles and Sarah (Massey) Ward, b. 1699; 
m. 1st, Sarah, dau. of Richard Trevett of Marblehead; 2d, Lydia (Burrill) 
Hawkes ; 3d, Ruth Woodward; d. Dec. 29, 1779. One of the ruling elders 
of the church. 

285. Ward, Miles, 3d, son of Ebenezer and Rachel (Pickman) Ward, 



PROPRIETORS OF FIRST HOUSE. 



221 



brother of No. 282; b. July 12, 1744; m. May 20, 1772, Hannah, dau. of 
Eev. John and Rebecca (Hale) Chipmauof Beverly, who d. April 22, 1829, 
aged 86; d. Oct. 22, 1796. A glazier. 

286. Ward, Richakd, son of Joshua (No. 284) and Sarah (Trevett) 
Ward, b. April 5, 1741 ; m. Nov. 8, 1764, Mehitable, dau. of George and 
Sarah (Pickman) Curwen; d. Nov. 4, 1824. A tanner. 

287. Ward, William, son of William and Ruth (Putnam) Ward, b. 
Dec. 28, 1761 ; m. Martha, dau. of Robert and Hannah (Goodhue) Proctor, 
who d. Jan. 16, 1788, aged 25; m. 2d, Joanna, dau. of John Chipman of 
Marblehead (b. July 1, 1761; d. Dec. 10, 1831); d. at Medford, May 9, 
1827, to which place he had removed several years previous. Master 
mariner, and merchant in Salem. 

288. Watkins, Benjamin, trader, d. Jan. 26, 1828, aged 75. 

289. Watts, Hannah, dau. of George and Bethiah (Peters) Deland, 
bapt. Aug. 27, 1737; m. May 22, 1755, Robert Watts, a native of the Isle 
of Wight and a skipper of a fishing vessel, lost at sea about the year 
1767; she d. Jan., 1817, aged 80. 

290. Webb, Benjamin, sou of Benjamin and Hannah (Bray) Webb, 
bapt. July 1, 1787; rn. May 5, 1810, Sarah, dau. of John and Mary (Porter) 
Felt (b. July 24, 1790; d. at Worcester, Oct., 1849); d. Sept. 30, 1840, 
aged 57. An apothecary. 

291. Webb, Stephen, son of Benjamin and Hannah (Bray) Webb, 
bapt. Sept. 20, 1801; m. Oct. 5, 1831, Martha T., dau. of William and 
Mehitable (Mansfield) Luscorab; d. May 2, 1869, aged 67 years 8 months. 
Cashier of Mercantile Bank, Salem, and in the Internal Revenue office. 

292. Wendell, Abraham, son of Thomas and Abigail Wendell, came 
from Marblehead to Salem ; m. Martha L. Ballister, who d. at Lynn, Nov. 
19, 1852, aged 81; d. at Ipswich, Oct. 4, 1850, aged 76. A wheelwright. 

293. West, Benjamin, son of John and Margaret (Ward) West, b. Jan. 
7, 1738-9; m. Aug. 9, 1762, Abigail Phippen (b. Feb. 6, 1742-3; d. Dec. 
26, 1797) ; d. March 22, 1809. Master mariner; for many years master of 
the Salem Marine Society. 

294. West, Daniel, probably son of Daniel and Elizabeth West, bapt. 
April 8, 1748. 

295. West, Edward, son of William (No. 299) and Mary (Beckford) 
West, bapt. Aug. 31, 17C0; m. May 9, 1790, Elizabeth, dau. of Daniel and 
Esther (Gardner) Mackay. When a resident of Salem, a master mariner 
and merchant; afterwards removed to Andover, where he d, March 20, 
1843. 

296. West, Samuel, son of Samuel and Mary (Poor) West, m. 1st, 

Mary Gale; 2d, ; 3d, widow Mary Ingalls of Marblehead ; 

d. Sept., 1776. Saddler. 

297. West, Samuel, son of Samuel (No. 296) and Mary (Gale) West, 
bapt. June 20, 1722; m. Oct. 8, 1747, Mary Massey, who d. Jan., 1801, 
aged 81 ;d. April, 1774. Mariner. 

298. West, Thomas, son of Benjamin (No. 293) and Abigail (Phippen) 



222 



PROPRIETORS OF FIRST HOUSE. 



West, b. May 4, 1777; m. Elizabeth Moseley, who d. Eeb. 25, 1864, aged 
80; d. Jan. 24, 1849. Master mariner, and many years an officer in the 
Salem Custom House. 

299. West, William, son of Samuel (No. 296) and Mary (Gale) West, 
bapt. May 12, 1728; m. Nov. 25, 1750, Mary Becl?ford, who d. Sept., 1813, 
aged 85 ; d. Aug. 3, 1803, aged 75. Merchant. 

300. Wheatland, George, son of Kichard (No, 301) and Martha (Good- 
hue) Wheatland, b. Nov. 10, 1804; gr. Harv. Coll., 1824; m. Feb. 6, 
1833, Hannah Bemis, dau. of John and Hannah (Bemis) Richardson of 
Newton (b. Dec. 23, 1811; d. at Salem, March 15, 1840). Counsellor at 
law in Salem. 

301. Wheatland, Richard, son of Peter and Bridget (Foxcroft) 
Wheatland, b. at Wareham, England, Oct. 20, 1762; came to Salem in 
1783; m. 1st, Margaret, dau. of John and Isabella (Brown) Silver; 2d, 
Martha, dau. of Stephen and Martha (Prescott) Goodhue (b. Feb. 2, 
1770 ; d. Aug. 13, 1826) ; d. March 18, 1830. Master mariner and merchant. 

302. Wheatland, Richard, son of Peter and Sarah (Forsey) Wheat- 
land, a nephew of Richard (No. 301), b. at Wareham, England, Oct. 26, 
1786 ; came to Salem in 1800, m. Oct. 3, 1822, Elizabeth, dau. of Elijah 
(No. 28) and Hannah (Buffington) Briggs (b. at Scituate, March 12, 
1796; d. at Salem, Oct. 16, 1866); he d Feb. 5, 1867. Master mariner. 

303. Whittredge, Thomas, son of Thomas and Sarah (Osborn) Whit- 
tredge, b. at Danvers in 1776; m. Sarah Trask, who d. Aug. 16, 1845, aged 
78 ; d. at Salem, Sept. 15, 1829. Master mariner and merchant. 

304. Whittredge, Thomas Cook, son of Thomas (No. 303) and Sarah 
(Trask) Whittredge, b. May 28, 1799; gr. Harv. Coll., 1818; m. May 7, 
1827, Susan L., dau. of John and Susan Mead, who d. April 10, 1859, aged 
56; d. Jan. 26, 1854. Master mariner and merchant. 



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